Spaghetti Bolognese
A classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce. Packed with savory flavors of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, this comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or Dutch oven (for making the sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots finely diced
- 2 celery stalks finely diced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or red wine, optional
- 1/4 cup milk optional, for creaminess
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- Salt for boiling water
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta :
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce :
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth (or red wine), milk, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce :
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Combine and Serve :
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freeze portions of the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freeze portions of the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.