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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese

This easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe delivers a hearty, comforting Italian classic that is quick to prepare and packed with rich, layered flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying meat sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti, promising a crowd-pleasing meal for the entire family.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 400g canned tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 120ml red wine (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 400g spaghetti

To Serve

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to create the soffritto base that builds deep, layered flavors for the sauce.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook gently for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant, developing the foundational sweetness and aroma.
  3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan, cooking until browned all over. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks to enhance flavor and texture.
  4. Deglaze and Add Tomatoes: If using, pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits. Let it reduce slightly, then stir in canned tomatoes and tomato paste.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
  6. Cook the Spaghetti: Meanwhile, boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
  7. Combine and Serve: Mix the spaghetti into the Bolognese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Use quality ground beef with some fat for richer flavor and juiciness.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently to develop deep flavors.
  • Finely chop vegetables for a smooth, harmonious texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to brighten flavors.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Standard

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, Italian, pasta, ground beef, easy dinner, family meal, classic recipe