Spaghetti Bolognese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spaghetti Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food—tender pasta topped with a rich and flavorful meat sauce. The sauce, made with ground beef ., tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables, is simmered slowly to develop deep, satisfying flavors. The combination of garlic, onion, carrots, and celery creates a savory base that pairs beautifully with the meat and tomato sauce. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet feels special.

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion (diced)

• 1 carrot (peeled and diced)

• 1 celery stalk (diced)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 lb ground beef or a mixture of ground beef a

• 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (for a creamy sauce)

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

For the pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)

For garnish:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Cook the meat:

1. Add the ground beef  if using) to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the meat apart, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Pour in the red wine (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the  to evaporate, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

3. Add the tomatoes and seasonings:

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors should meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

4. Make the pasta:

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.

5. Finish the sauce:

1. Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the milk or cream and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to become creamy and rich.

6. Combine and serve:

1. Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta.

2. Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Swap the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute like plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian Bolognese.

• Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili to the sauce for extra heat.

• Rich and hearty: For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking.

• Slow cooker version: You can make this Bolognese in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients (except the cream) and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream at the end and stir to combine.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Bolognese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the Bolognese sauce for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I make Bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, Bolognese sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Keep in mind that the flavor may be a bit lighter than using beef

3. What type of pasta is best for Bolognese?

Traditionally, Bolognese is served with tagliatelle or pappardelle, but spaghetti works wonderfully as well. Other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne also pair well with this sauce.

4. Can I make Bolognese without wine?

Yes, you can make Bolognese without wine. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth, beef broth, or water.

5. How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a longer period of time to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken the sauce.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker for Bolognese. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, and add the cream at the end.

7. Can I use canned tomatoes for the sauce?

Yes, canned tomatoes work perfectly in Bolognese. You can use crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes (broken up), or tomato sauce, depending on your preference. Just adjust the seasoning if necessary.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from being overcooked?

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, make sure to cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot Bolognese sauce.

9. How do I know when the Bolognese is done?

The Bolognese sauce is done when it has thickened and the flavors have melded together. The sauce should have a deep, rich flavor from the slow simmering of the meat and vegetables.

10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian Bolognese by substituting the ground meat with plant-based protein, mushrooms, or lentils. This makes for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly version of the classic dish.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Bolognese is the epitome of comfort food. This hearty, flavorful dish is easy to make yet rich in depth, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The savory Bolognese sauce, with its combination of tender meat, vegetables, and a creamy finish, pairs perfectly with pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you’re following the traditional recipe or making a few tweaks to suit your preferences, Spaghetti Bolognese is always a crowd-pleaser!

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