Preparation

Step1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Dice the pancetta into small pieces.
2. Gather and measure all the remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process.

Step2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step3: Brown the Meats

1. Add the pancetta to the pot and cook until it starts to render its fat, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the ground beef and pork, breaking up any clumps with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 10 minutes.

Step4: Deglaze with Wine

1. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
2. Let the wine simmer until it has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Step5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and mix well.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step6: Add Milk and Season

1. Gradually stir in the milk, ensuring it’s fully incorporated.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
3. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.