Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Learn how to make a rich and hearty spaghetti Bolognese with simple ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or cozy Italian nights!
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 carrots grated
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 500 g ground beef or beef and pork mix
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ cup red wine optional
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 400 g spaghetti
- Water and salt for boiling
Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft.
- Brown the Meat:
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Tomato Paste and Wine:
- Stir in tomato paste. Add wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Mix spaghetti with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Serve topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
No Wine: Use additional beef broth or 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar for richness.
Storage: Sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.