Delicious Bolognese Meat Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons pancetta or 2 tablespoons bacon, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely sliced
1 stalk celery, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
12 ounces lean ground beef
salt and pepper (to taste)
2/3 cup red wine
1/2 cup milk
1 (15 ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme

Preparation

1. Heat the butter and oil in a heavy saucepan or earthenware pot. Add the onion, and cook over moderate heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the pancetta and cook untion the onion is translucent. Stir in the carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook 3 to 4 minutes more.
2. Add the beef, and crumble it into the vegetables with a fork. Stir until the meat loses its red color. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour in the wine, raise the heat slightly, and cook until the liquid evaporates, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the milk, and cook until it evaporates.
4. Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, and the herbs. Bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Correct the seasoning before serving. Serve over pasta.