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Spaghetti Bolognese

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Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish featuring a rich, savory meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all served over al dente spaghetti. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this hearty and flavorful dish is a comforting favorite. With its deep, satisfying flavors, Spaghetti Bolognese is a meal that never disappoints and is easy to make at home.

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

  • 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

Instructions

  • Prepare the Sauce:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
    Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and the onion is translucent.
    Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Cook the Meat:
    Add the ground beef  to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the meat apart, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.if using) to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the meat apart, and cook until browned an
    Pour in the red wine (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  • Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
    Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

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

  • Finish the Sauce:
    Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the milk or cream and cook for another 5 minutes to create a creamy texture.

  • Combine and Serve:
    Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta with the sauce.
    Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground beef for a hearty vegetarian Bolognese.

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

  • Richer Sauce: For a richer, creamier sauce, you can add a dollop of mascarpone or extra heavy cream at the end of cooking.

  • Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients (except the cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, and add the cream at the end.

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