Print

Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese
Print Recipe

This easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe combines slow-simmered ground meat with tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs to create a rich, flavorful sauce served over perfectly al dente spaghetti. A classic Italian comfort food dish that’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500g ground beef or pork
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400g canned tomatoes (whole peeled or crushed)
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 120ml red wine (optional)
  • 120ml milk or cream
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 400g spaghetti pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Variations

  • Chopped mushrooms or lentils (for vegetarian option)
  • Red chili flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach (extra veggies)
  • Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage (alternative meats)
  • Gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables (gluten-free option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to create a fragrant and flavorful base for the sauce.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, then stir in carrots and celery and soften for about 5 minutes.
  3. Brown the meat: Increase the heat and add ground beef or pork, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and caramelized for deep flavor.
  4. Deglaze and simmer: If using, pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let it reduce for a few minutes.
  5. Add tomatoes and herbs: Stir in canned tomatoes and dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a low simmer.
  6. Enrich with milk: Pour in milk or cream to soften acidity and create a creamy finish. Simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Cook the spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
  8. Combine and serve: Toss spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and richness.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly for deeper, more developed flavors.
  • Keep a bit of pasta water handy to help sauce cling better to pasta.
  • Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for natural sweetness and acidity.
  • Lightly toast dried herbs in the pan early to release more aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, Italian comfort food, pasta, ground beef, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/spaghetti-bolognese/