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A plate of spaghetti bolognese topped with grated cheese.

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe


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  • Author: Bitty
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 people

Description

Learn how to make a rich and hearty spaghetti Bolognese with simple ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or cozy Italian nights!


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

  1. Prepare the Aromatics:
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Ingredients laid out for making spaghetti bolognese.
  3. Brown the Meat:
  4. Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Add Tomato Paste and Wine: Steaming pot of rich spaghetti bolognese sauce being stirred.
  6. Stir in tomato paste. Add wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Simmer the Sauce:
  8. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes.
  9. Cook the Pasta: Close-up of spaghetti bolognese being served with cheese and parsley.
  10. Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  11. Assemble and Serve:
  12. 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.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian