Ingredients

  • 21/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
  • 11/4 cuts finely chopped onion (about 1 large onion)
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped carrot (about 1 large carrot)
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped celery (about 11/4 stalks)
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground chuck
  • 10 ounces of ground pork
  • 21/4 teaspoons course salt
  • 21/2 cups of milk
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 11/4 cups dry white wine
  • 21/4 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock
  • 21/2 cups canned diced plum tomatoes with juice.
  • Freshly ground pepper

Method

  • 1. Heat butter and oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom 6-quart pot over medium heat until butter is melted. Add, onion, celery, and carrot; cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are soft and light golden brown, 8 to 11 minutes.
  • 2. Add ground chuck and pork to pot; stir, breaking up meat with a fork. Add salt, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until meat is cooked through but not browned, about 5 minutes more.
  • 3. Gradually add milk; bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium low. Add nutmeg to taste, and gently simmer until milk has completely evaporated, about 20 minutes. (Any remaining liquid will be yellowish and clear.)
  • 4. Add wine; simmer until liquid is reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Stir in stock; simmer until liquid is reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Add tomatoes and juice; simmer, stirring occasionally, until fat has risen to the top and sauce is thick and meaty, 60 to 70 minutes. Season with pepper. Let sauce cool slightly.