Spaghetti Bolognese is a popular Italian pasta dish featuring a rich, savory meat sauce. It’s made by simmering ground meat, tomatoes, and herbs for a long time, creating a delicious, thick sauce that perfectly complements spaghetti. The dish is easy to prepare and loved by many for its comforting flavors.
This recipe combines ground beef, garlic, onions, and tomatoes to create a hearty, flavorful sauce. The sauce is simmered slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Paired with spaghetti, it’s a satisfying and filling meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
This spaghetti bolognese recipe is rich in flavor and incredibly easy to make. It brings together classic ingredients for a comforting meal. The savory sauce is packed with herbs and tomatoes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
You’ll appreciate how quickly this dish comes together. With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in less than an hour. It’s a perfect choice for busy nights when you need something tasty in a flash.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home. Whether you prefer ground beef or turkey, the result will still be mouthwatering.
This spaghetti bolognese recipe is satisfying and filling. The combination of pasta and hearty sauce creates a well-balanced meal that’ll leave you feeling full and content without being heavy.
Ingredient Notes for a Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and ground beef. It adds a rich, slightly fruity flavor and helps prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the sauce. When cooked, onions become soft and add depth to the flavor.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and texture to the sauce. Grated or finely chopped carrots blend well into the dish.
- Celery stalk: Balances the sweetness of the onions and carrots with a hint of earthiness. It also adds crunch and freshness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant and savory kick. It should be minced or crushed to release its full flavor when sautéed with the other ingredients.
- Ground beef: The main protein in the sauce, providing richness and a hearty texture. You can use lean beef to reduce the fat content.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring acidity, sweetness, and juiciness to the Bolognese sauce. You can use fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes for convenience.
- Dried oregano: Adds a slightly peppery and earthy taste. It complements the tomatoes and brings a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
- Dried basil: This herb enhances the sauce with its sweet and slightly peppery flavor, pairing perfectly with oregano for a classic Italian taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Salt brings out the flavors, while pepper adds a mild heat and depth.
- Spaghetti: The pasta that carries the rich Bolognese sauce. It should be cooked al dente for the best texture and to absorb the sauce better.
- Fresh parsley: Used for garnish, parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste and a pop of color to the dish.
Pre-preparation of Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by chopping your onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Measure your ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs.
- Boil water for pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. This will be for the spaghetti.
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Ingredients
For this delicious Spaghetti Bolognese recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g ground beef (or pork, if preferred)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 400g spaghetti
- Fresh parsley
Directions
- Cook the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add garlic and meat: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with your spoon.
- Add tomato paste and wine: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 2 minutes. If using, add the red wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce.
- Add tomatoes and herbs: Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine and serve: Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Variation
Spaghetti Bolognese is versatile, and you can make it your own by experimenting with variations. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Bolognese: Use lentils or mushrooms in place of the meat for a vegetarian version. Cook the lentils until soft and mix them into the sauce.
- Beef and Pork Combo: For a richer flavor, combine both ground beef and ground pork.
- Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
How to Serve Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Spaghetti Bolognese is a perfect main dish for any meal. Here’s how to serve it:
- Classic Style: Plate the spaghetti, top with the Bolognese sauce, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the Bolognese.
- Family Style: If serving a crowd, set up a family-style meal where everyone can help themselves to pasta and sauce.
Storage Options
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Spaghetti Bolognese:
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover Bolognese sauce and spaghetti in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. This prevents the pasta from getting soggy.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze the Bolognese sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
- Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti and sauce in a pot over low heat. If it’s too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it out.
FAQs About Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes, Spaghetti Bolognese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day or two.
How long should I cook the Bolognese sauce?
Bolognese sauce should be simmered for at least 1-2 hours for the best flavor. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together into a rich and hearty sauce.
What can I serve with Spaghetti Bolognese?
Spaghetti Bolognese is traditionally served with spaghetti, but you can also serve it with other pasta types like fettuccine or penne. A side salad and garlic bread are popular accompaniments.
Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Spaghetti Bolognese by replacing the meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or vegan ground beef. The sauce’s rich flavors will still shine through with these substitutions.
