Slow-Simmered Italian Bolognese Sauce (Rich & Meaty)

Name: Slow-Simmered Italian Bolognese Sauce (Rich & Meaty)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (minced beef, 80/20 recommended, about 450g); 2 tablespoons butter (30g); 1 cup white onion (chopped, about 1 medium onion, 150g); 1 cup mixed mushrooms (sliced, cremini, button, or a mix, about 70g); 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced); 1 can whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz / 794g, crushed by hand); 1/2 cup beef stock (beef broth or beef bouillon, plus more as needed, 120ml); 1/2 tablespoon oregano (dried); 1/2 tablespoon sage (dried); 1/2 tablespoon thyme (dried); 1/4 cup basil (fresh ; chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried basil, about 10g); 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30ml); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (about 6g, or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly ground ; or to taste); 1 piece bay leaf; 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Chianti or Sangiovese, optional, 120ml); 2 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated, for serving, about 55g); 12 oz cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, tagliatelle, or pappardelle, for serving)