Spaghetti Bolognese

Introduction

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian-inspired dish that has become a global favorite. Its hallmark is a rich, hearty meat sauce made with ground meat, vegetables, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Originating from Bologna, Italy, the traditional ragù alla Bolognese is slow-simmered to develop deep, complex flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food.

This dish stands out for its balance of flavors and textures: tender strands of spaghetti coated in a savory, slightly sweet meat sauce, with aromatic undertones of garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. It’s a meal that is both hearty and satisfying, yet comforting and homey, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a romantic dinner at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Spaghetti Bolognese because it embodies comfort and tradition in every bite. The slow-simmered sauce develops a depth of flavor that is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the tender pasta. Each forkful combines the meaty texture with the softness of spaghetti and the tang of tomatoes, creating a truly indulgent yet wholesome experience.

This recipe is also versatile and forgiving. You can adjust the meat-to-tomato ratio, add extra vegetables, or experiment with herbs and wine to make the dish uniquely your own. It’s also a meal that improves with time; flavors deepen when made ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Spaghetti Bolognese is a must-try dish because it is:

• Hearty and satisfying: A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
• Rich in flavor: Slow-simmering the sauce creates a depth that’s unmatched by quick sauces.
• Versatile: Can be adapted for different meats, pasta types, or dietary preferences.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults worldwide.

This dish proves that with simple ingredients—meat, tomatoes, and herbs—you can create a meal that is both elegant and comforting.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~600 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup whole milk or cream (optional, for richness)

For the Spaghetti

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles
• Salt, for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   • Finely chop onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic.
2. Cook the Meat:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add ground meat and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Deglaze and Add Tomatoes:
   • If using wine, add red wine to deglaze the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to develop.
   • Optional: Stir in milk or cream during the last 10 minutes for a richer sauce.
6. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
7. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, or serve sauce on top of the pasta.
   • Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in individual bowls or on a large serving platter.
• Pair with garlic bread or a green side salad.
• Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.

Recipe Tips

• Slow simmer the sauce to allow maximum flavor development.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Use fresh herbs at the end for a burst of flavor.
• Make ahead: Sauce can be prepared a day in advance for deeper flavor.

Variations

1. Vegetable Bolognese: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie-rich sauce.
2. Turkey or Chicken Bolognese: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
3. Spicy Bolognese: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.
4. Creamy Bolognese: Stir in heavy cream or mascarpone for a silky texture.
5. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute for healthier or dietary-specific options.

Freezing and Storage

• Bolognese Sauce: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Cooked Spaghetti: Best served fresh; refrigerate for 1–2 days if necessary.
• Assembled Dish: Combine pasta and sauce fresh; do not freeze assembled.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board and knife

Conclusion

Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that embodies the essence of Italian cooking. With a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it is a meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Versatile, family-friendly, and universally loved, this dish is a timeless classic that deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire.

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Spaghetti Bolognese

Author: admin Cuisine: Italian Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 600 calories per serving

Description

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian-inspired dish that has become a global favorite. Its hallmark is a rich, hearty meat sauce made with ground meat, vegetables, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 can (28 oz)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup whole milk or cream (optional, for richness)

For the Spaghetti

• 12 oz (340 g)
• Salt, for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic.
2. Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Deglaze and Add Tomatoes: If using wine, add red wine to deglaze the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to develop. Optional: Stir in milk or cream during the last 10 minutes for a richer sauce.
6. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
7. Combine and Serve: Toss cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, or serve sauce on top of the pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.

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