Valerie s Bolognese Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 stalk celery, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ pound ground beef

½ cup red wine

½ cup milk

1 pinch ground nutmeg

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, and cook and stir the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until the vegetables are soft and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Place the ground beef into the pan, and cook and stir, breaking the meat apart as it cooks, until well browned, about 10 more minutes. Pour in the red wine, bring to a boil, and cook until the liquid is almost absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Pour in the milk and nutmeg, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the milk is almost absorbed, 10 more minutes.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, and oregano, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper.