Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless Italian classic that has won hearts around the world with its rich, savory flavors and comforting appeal. This hearty dish features perfectly cooked spaghetti topped with a flavorful meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The deep, complex flavors of the sauce are the result of slow cooking, which melds together the ingredients beautifully, creating a dish that’s both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or craving a warm, comforting meal, Spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect go-to dish.

While the origins of Bolognese sauce lie in Italy, this beloved recipe has been embraced worldwide, with slight variations in different regions. The dish is simple yet elegant, making it suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. This guide will take you step-by-step through preparing the perfect Spaghetti Bolognese, share valuable tips, and provide ways to customize the dish to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Bolognese

• Rich, Savory Flavor: The Bolognese sauce is a savory combination of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. The slow cooking process enhances the depth of flavor, making every bite a rich, satisfying experience.
• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with tender pasta smothered in a flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something warm, filling, and delicious.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, Spaghetti Bolognese is relatively simple to prepare. The sauce is made with a few basic ingredients, and it requires minimal effort to achieve a delicious result.
• Customizable: The beauty of Spaghetti Bolognese is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe by adding different vegetables, using alternative proteins, or customizing the seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for leftovers. In fact, like many stews and sauces, Bolognese sauce tends to taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 550-600 calories, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4-6g
• Sugar: 7-10g

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground pork, turkey, or a combination)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz or 170g) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for deeper flavor)
• 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• Olive oil (optional, for tossing pasta)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients. Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic, and open the cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. If you’re using red wine, have it ready as well. Preparing your ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process, especially when making a sauce like Bolognese, which requires careful timing to develop the right flavors.

2. Brown the Ground Meat

In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef (or other meat of your choice). Break it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential for developing the rich flavor of the Bolognese sauce.

Once the meat is browned, transfer it to a plate and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet, as it will add flavor to the next steps.

3. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables in the remaining oil and fat for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and become aromatic. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The vegetables are key to developing the base flavor of the Bolognese sauce, so take your time to cook them until they are tender.

Once the vegetables are softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

4. Deglaze the Pan (Optional)

If you’ve used red wine, this is the time to add it. Pour the wine into the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly and letting the alcohol evaporate.

If you’re not using wine, you can skip this step and move straight to adding the tomatoes.

5. Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Once the wine has reduced, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. The tomato paste adds richness and a deep tomato flavor, while the crushed tomatoes provide a juicy base for the sauce.

Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the sauce.

6. Simmer the Sauce

Return the browned ground meat to the skillet, stirring it into the tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Cover the skillet with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape, and let the sauce cook for at least 1 hour. The longer you simmer the sauce, the deeper and more concentrated the flavors will become. Stir the sauce occasionally, and check the consistency—if it’s getting too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

7. Add Milk or Cream

In the last 10 minutes of simmering, stir in the whole milk or heavy cream. This addition will give the sauce a velvety texture and help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. The milk also adds a subtle richness that elevates the dish.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

8. Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.

Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

9. Toss the Pasta and Sauce Together

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the Bolognese sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to help thin it out and help the sauce cling to the pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

10. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined, serve the Spaghetti Bolognese immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a touch of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor, though this is optional.

Enjoy your hearty and delicious Spaghetti Bolognese with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

• Use a Combination of Meats: For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork or veal. The pork adds a bit of sweetness, and the veal gives the sauce a delicate, tender texture.
• Slow Cook for Depth of Flavor: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the richer the flavor becomes. Don’t rush this step—let the sauce cook gently on low heat to develop its full potential.
• Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want a deeper tomato flavor, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Make It Ahead: Bolognese sauce actually improves in flavor after a day or two in the fridge, so consider making it ahead of time. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture, which doesn’t pair well with the hearty sauce.

Variations of Spaghetti Bolognese

• Vegetarian Bolognese: For a meat-free version, substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. Both options provide a hearty texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Spicy Bolognese: If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the sauce. This will give your Bolognese a spicy kick that contrasts wonderfully with the rich flavors.
• Seafood Bolognese: Try substituting the ground beef with shrimp, scallops, or other seafood for a different take on the classic. The lightness of seafood pairs well with the tomato-based sauce, offering a fresh twist on the traditional recipe.
• Bolognese with Vegetables: You can boost the nutritional value of your Bolognese by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté them with the onions and carrots to integrate them into the sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Spaghetti Bolognese keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the sauce separately from the pasta if you plan to keep leftovers. You can reheat the sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Bolognese sauce. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The sauce will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stove.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Spaghetti Bolognese

While Spaghetti Bolognese is a complete meal on its own, there are several delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with it:

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread is a classic pairing with pasta. It’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crispy romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offers a nice contrast to the richness of the Bolognese.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers add a healthy and flavorful side that complements the pasta.
• Steamed Green Beans: Simple, steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil make a light, crisp side dish to balance the richness of the Bolognese.

Print

Conclusion

Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting, flavorful dish that never goes out of style. Its rich, hearty sauce made with ground meat, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs is the perfect topping for perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, Spaghetti Bolognese delivers on taste, satisfaction, and warmth. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this classic Italian dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality Spaghetti Bolognese right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and comforting flavors that make this dish an all-time favorite.