The aroma of simmering tomatoes and the rich scent of herbs wafting through your kitchen is like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. Spaghetti Bolognese, with its hearty sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in comfort.
I remember the first time I made this dish. My kitchen turned into a battleground as my family gathered around, drawn by the irresistible smell. It was chaos, laughter, and a sprinkle of flour on my nose, but nothing could beat the joy of sharing this beloved classic.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Spaghetti Bolognese is not only easy to whip up but packs a punch of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds
- The vibrant colors of the sauce create an eye-catching dish that looks as good as it tastes
- Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at a gathering
- You can also customize it based on dietary preferences or what’s lurking in your pantry
One memorable night, I served Spaghetti Bolognese to friends who claimed they didn’t like pasta. By the end of dinner, they were scraping their plates clean and asking for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Spaghetti: Choose long strands for that classic twirlable experience; fresh pasta works wonders if you’re feeling fancy.
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Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps it tasty without excess fat; feel free to mix in some pork for extra flavor.
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Onion: Use finely chopped onions to add sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor impact.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; mince them well so every bite is bursting with aroma.
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Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for richer flavor; crush them by hand for added texture.
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Carrot: Finely diced carrots add natural sweetness and color; they balance the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
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Celery: Diced celery brings crunch and earthiness; don’t skip it if you want that authentic Italian taste.
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Red Wine: A splash enhances the sauce’s complexity; use one you enjoy drinking because quality matters!
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Herbs (Oregano & Basil): Fresh herbs elevate this dish significantly; dried herbs work too if fresh aren’t available.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese on top adds creaminess and umami; sprinkle generously right before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into tiny pieces. This will help them cook evenly and blend into your sauce seamlessly.
Sauté Your Base Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, stirring until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes will do.
Add Garlic & Ground Beef: Toss in minced garlic followed by ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink—this should take about 6-8 minutes.
Mix in Tomatoes & Wine: Stir in canned tomatoes (crushed by hand) along with red wine. Let everything bubble gently while you scrape up those tasty bits stuck to the pan—about 10 minutes should suffice.
Season & Simmer Away!: Sprinkle in oregano and basil along with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let your sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes while you prepare spaghetti.
Cook Your Spaghetti Perfectly!: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes is ideal for that perfect bite.
Bring this delicious dish together by serving spaghetti topped with your rich Bolognese sauce. Finish off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top, then dig in! Remember: this isn’t just food—it’s love served on a plate!
You Must Know
- Spaghetti Bolognese is not just dinner; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, and the textures dance on your palate
- A few simple tweaks can elevate this classic into a culinary masterpiece worthy of your family’s praise
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the onions and garlic first to release their flavors, then brown the meat while simmering the sauce. This sequence layers flavors beautifully, making each bite magical.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping ground beef for turkey or adding red wine for depth. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can brighten the flavors, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Spaghetti Bolognese in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve that delightful texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use high-quality tomatoes for a richer sauce; canned San Marzano tomatoes are a game changer
- Take your time simmering sauce to develop deep flavors; patience is key here
- Don’t forget to season pasta water heavily; it makes all the difference in taste
Sharing my first Spaghetti Bolognese was nerve-wracking until my friends went back for seconds, declaring me the “Pasta Wizard.” Their reactions made my culinary heart swell with joy.
FAQ
What is the best type of meat for Spaghetti Bolognese?
Ground beef offers traditional flavor, but turkey makes it lighter and healthier.
Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
How do I thicken my Bolognese sauce?
Simmer longer or add tomato paste to achieve that desired thickness for your sauce.
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
Experience the warmth of homemade Spaghetti Bolognese, a dish that combines rich flavors and comforting aromas. This hearty meal features a savory sauce made from lean ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit any palate, it’s the perfect recipe for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 500g lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 800g canned whole peeled tomatoes (crushed by hand)
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 100ml red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into small pieces.
- In a large pan over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onions and celery until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and ground beef; cook until browned (6-8 minutes).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and red wine; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Serve spaghetti topped with Bolognese sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
