Harry Hamlin Cooks Famed Bolognese Sauce, Shares Full Recipe

Harry Hamlin cooks famed bolognese sauce, and this time, fans are getting the complete recipe straight from the man himself. The celebrated actor and food enthusiast recently stepped into the spotlight in a different way—by walking viewers through his signature dish and proving that great comfort food is as much about passion as it is about ingredients.

Hamlin’s Marinara No. 7 Bolognese is more than just pasta sauce; it’s a dish that carries years of fine-tuning, kitchen experimentation, and a love for hearty, home-style meals. In a lively cooking demonstration, he revealed every detail, from chopping vegetables to the final sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, ensuring fans can recreate his savory masterpiece at home.

Harry Hamlin’s Marinara No. 7 Bolognese

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 8 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tbsp zucchini, diced
• 1 tbsp yellow squash, diced
• 1 tbsp cauliflower, diced
• ½ medium carrot, sliced
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• Baby bella mushrooms, finely diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/8 tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1½ lb 90/10 ground beef or 1½ lb sliced cremini mushrooms (vegetarian option)
• Dried garlic granules, to taste
• 2–4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for browning)
• Favorite pasta
• Parmesan cheese, to taste
• Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat about 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat in a large saucepan. Add onions and cook until lightly caramelized, about 6 minutes.
2. Add zucchini, squash, cauliflower, and carrots; season with half the salt. Sweat the vegetables for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in mushrooms and garlic; cook another 2–4 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in basil and oregano; sauté for 30 seconds to release flavor.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir gently and let flavors meld.
6. For a meat version, brown the ground beef in olive oil separately, season, and combine with sauce. For a vegetarian version, simply increase mushroom quantity.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve over your choice of pasta and finish with Parmesan cheese.

Key Points Summary for Fast Readers

• Actor-chef moment – Harry Hamlin shares his famed Marinara No. 7 Bolognese.
• Simple ingredients – Fresh vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and your choice of beef or mushrooms.
• Straightforward steps – Sweat vegetables, add seasonings, simmer sauce, and serve over pasta.
• Customizable – Works beautifully with vegetarian and meat options.
• Classic comfort – A hearty, rich dish perfect for any occasion.

The Story Behind the Sauce

Hamlin’s love for cooking isn’t new—it’s a passion he has nurtured for years. What began as a go-to family recipe gradually turned into his signature dish, earning praise from friends, fans, and fellow food lovers. The bolognese became known for its layered flavors, balance of spices, and the rich, slow-cooked taste that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl.

By openly sharing his full recipe, Hamlin is offering more than just food—he’s sharing a piece of his personal tradition. The care he puts into caramelizing vegetables, balancing herbs, and allowing the sauce to simmer is what elevates it beyond an average pasta topping.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Approachable cooking – Even novice cooks can follow the steps without stress.
• Depth of flavor – The combination of caramelized vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich tomatoes creates a restaurant-quality sauce.
• Flexibility – Works well with different meats or fully plant-based ingredients.
• Family-friendly – Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Year-round appeal – Perfect for cozy winter nights or summer gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Hamlin’s bolognese pairs perfectly with classic spaghetti, pappardelle, or penne. For a twist, serve it over zucchini noodles or a bed of creamy polenta. A side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce is practically mandatory, and a crisp salad makes the meal complete.

Wine lovers might enjoy pairing this dish with a medium-bodied red such as Chianti, Merlot, or Sangiovese to complement the tomato richness.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve been following Harry Hamlin for his acting career or his adventures in the kitchen, this recipe is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients and a bit of patience can create a truly memorable dish. The next time you’re craving pasta night, try Harry Hamlin’s famed bolognese sauce—you might just find it becoming your own signature recipe.