Spaghetti Bolognese

Rich, savory, and utterly comforting!

A classic Italian dish, Spaghetti Bolognese combines rich, savory flavors with a hearty meat sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress everyone at the table.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Spaghetti:

  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

  1. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Make the Bolognese Sauce

  1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, and basil.
  2. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.
  3. Stir in the milk or cream and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken and enhance the sauce’s richness.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

  1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
  2. Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Bolognese

  • Hearty and Satisfying: The rich, meaty sauce pairs perfectly with pasta for a filling meal.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for leftovers.
  • Customizable: You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for variety.