Spaghetti Bolognese

Looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that’s both quick and satisfying? This easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is packed with rich flavors, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a delicious and classic Italian experience right at your own table. From savory meat sauce to perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed simplicity: Combines basic pantry staples to produce deep, comforting flavors with minimal effort.
• Quick to prepare: Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty but efficient.
• Family friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults with its classic and familiar taste profile.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to include extra veggies or alternative proteins without losing its essence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient for this Spaghetti Bolognese plays a vital role in building the rich, hearty taste, texture, and bright color of the dish. You don’t need fancy items, just quality essentials that bring everything together beautifully.

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that defines the classic sauce.
• Onion and garlic: Add aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness when sautéed.
• Canned tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, delivering rich tomato flavor and a touch of acidity.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
• Carrot and celery: Introduce natural sweetness and texture to balance out the acidity.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a smooth, fruity richness.
• Red wine (optional): Adds depth and complexity, but you can skip it for a quicker version.
• Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice, holds the sauce beautifully and creates that perfect bite.
• Italian herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme gives that unmistakable Italian touch.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
• Parmesan cheese (to serve): Grated on top for creamy, savory finishing notes.

Variations for Spaghetti Bolognese

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, letting you tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. Adjusting ingredients is easy and keeps the dish fresh every time you make it.

• Vegetarian Bolognese: Swap ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based mince for a meat-free version.
• Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the sauce for a lively kick.
• Low-carb alternative: Serve the Bolognese over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal.
• Extra veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and texture.
• Slow-cooked version: Let the sauce simmer longer for a richer depth of flavor and tender meat.

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. This classic soffritto base helps create the deep, layered flavors characteristic of a great Bolognese sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook gently until softened and fragrant, around 5–7 minutes. This step builds the foundational sweetness and aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned all over, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Browning the meat thoroughly adds flavor and texture to your sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Tomatoes

If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly before stirring in canned tomatoes and tomato paste.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Add your Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer melds the flavors and thickens the sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti

Meanwhile, boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta when ready, reserving a small cup of the cooking water.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Mix the spaghetti into the Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Spaghetti Bolognese

• Use quality meat: Opt for good ground beef with some fat for richer flavor and juiciness.
• Don’t rush the simmer: Letting your sauce gently bubble gives the flavors time to develop deeply.
• Chop veggies finely: Smaller pieces blend better into the sauce, creating a smooth, harmonious texture.
• Reserve pasta water: Adding a bit of starchy cooking water helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly.
• Fresh herbs at the end: Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten up the flavor.

How to Serve Spaghetti Bolognese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a classic. You can also add chopped fresh basil or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate the dish visually and in taste.

Side Dishes

Pair this Spaghetti Bolognese with a crisp green salad for freshness, or serve with garlic bread to mop up every delicious drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the sauce over roasted vegetable noodles or stuff the Bolognese inside bell peppers for an eye-catching meal that’s as fun to eat as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready for a quick reheat.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully in portions. Freeze in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your Spaghetti Bolognese slowly over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce as needed, so it stays moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives and work well with the classic Spaghetti Bolognese flavors. Just be mindful they cook faster and can dry out easier, so stir often.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the meat with lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or plant-based mince. The vegetables and tomato sauce still make the dish hearty and satisfying.

How long does Spaghetti Bolognese take to cook?

From start to finish, this recipe typically takes about 40 minutes, including prep and simmering time, making it perfect for a weekday dinner.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld, so feel free to make it ahead and reheat when needed.

What pasta is best for Spaghetti Bolognese?

Traditional spaghetti is ideal as it holds onto the sauce nicely. However, you can also use tagliatelle, fettuccine, or any long pasta that you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is a wonderful way to bring classic Italian comfort to your dinner table any night of the week. With its layered flavors, balance of textures, and crowd-pleasing simplicity, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and enjoy this timeless favorite – I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.

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