Keto Bolognese with Cream and Wine
Rich, low-carb meat sauce built on softened aromatics, ground beef, and cream, simmered with tomatoes, wine, and oregano until thick and deeply flavored. The whipping cream adds silky texture while keeping carbs minimal. Designed for keto diets and freezes well.
Ingredients
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ carrot, chopped
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- ½ stalk celery, chopped
- 2 slice bacon, chopped
- ½ tbsp butter, unsalted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 13 oz ground beef, regular
- ⅓ cup whipping cream 35%heavy cream1:1dairy
same fat content
- ⅓ cup white wine
- 1 cup canned tomatoes, dicedfresh tomatoes, blanched and chopped1:1vegetable
requires longer cooking
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp oregano, driedoregano, fresh1:3herb
more delicate
- 1 pinch salt
- black pepper, ground(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Finely chop onion, carrot, garlic, celery, and bacon.
- 2
Heat oil and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- 3
Add vegetables and bacon, cook with stirring until softened.
- 4
Add ground beef, salt, and pepper to taste.
- 5
Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up meat until browned and no longer pink.
- 6
Raise heat to high and add cream.
- 7
Cook, stirring frequently, until liquid evaporates.
- 8
Add wine and cook, stirring frequently, until evaporated.
- 9
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano, then cover.
- 10
Simmer gently over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed to maintain consistency.
- 11
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tips
Stir occasionally during the final simmer to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add water gradually if sauce thickens too much; the goal is thick but still pourable.
This sauce freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months.
Prepare through step 10 up to 2 days ahead; reheat gently before serving.
Serve over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or keto-friendly pasta.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the evaporation steps for cream and wine; rushing them results in watery sauce.
Do not cook at high heat during final simmer; low heat ensures tender meat and proper sauce concentration.
Do not omit occasional stirring; sauce can scorch on the bottom.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
more delicate