Spaghetti Bolognese

Introduction

There’s just something about a big plate of Spaghetti Bolognese that feels like a warm hug. Maybe it’s the savory, rich sauce that’s been simmering on the stove, or the comforting embrace of tender pasta that makes you feel instantly at home. Either way, this classic Italian dish is the ultimate comfort food—and it’s one of my absolute favorites to make when I’m in the mood to cook something both satisfying and easy.

I remember the first time I made Bolognese. I was a little nervous about getting the sauce just right, but the beauty of this dish is that it’s all about patience. Letting the sauce simmer low and slow, developing those deep, comforting flavors—it’s like the sauce takes on a life of its own, and the longer you let it cook, the better it gets. The best part? It’s really not that hard. With a handful of ingredients, like ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of red wine, you can create a masterpiece that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.

Spaghetti Bolognese is the kind of dish that makes your house smell amazing, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or inviting friends over, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s super flexible—you can add in some veggies, switch up the meat, or even try it with a different type of pasta. So, if you’re ready to bring a little taste of Italy into your kitchen, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! It’s easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why Spaghetti Bolognese is the go-to comfort food for many:

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday ingredients you can find in your local grocery store.
• Rich and Flavorful: The slow-simmered Bolognese sauce develops deep, savory flavors that you’ll crave every time you cook it.
• Versatile: You can enjoy it with spaghetti, or mix it up with other pasta types like penne or rigatoni.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors only improve the next day.
• Kid-Friendly: It’s a meal that both adults and kids will love—what’s not to love about pasta and meat sauce?
• Quick to Make: Despite its complex flavors, the cooking process isn’t complicated or time-consuming.
• Family Favorite: Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe always hits the spot.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can easily freeze the sauce for future meals.
• Comforting: There’s something undeniably comforting about digging into a plate of spaghetti with rich meat sauce, perfect for a cozy night in.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbohydrates: 70g, Fat: 20g, Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering Spaghetti Bolognese:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)

To Serve:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Meat: A combination of beef and pork gives the sauce a fuller, richer flavor. However, you can also use just one type of meat or swap for ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste provide the base for the sauce, offering that robust, tangy flavor we love in Bolognese.
• Red Wine: Adding red wine to the sauce gives it depth and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: Oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes bring out the authentic Italian flavors in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Spaghetti Bolognese:

Cook the Sauce

1. Heat the Oil: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 8 minutes.
3. Deglaze with Wine: If using red wine, pour it in now, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Water: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later use.

Combine and Serve

1. Toss the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.
2. Serve: Divide the pasta between plates, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

How to Serve

Here are a few ideas to make your Spaghetti Bolognese meal even more special:

1. Classic Italian Style: Serve the spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.
2. Family-Style: Plate the pasta on a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves.
3. Make It a Feast: Serve your Spaghetti Bolognese with a variety of appetizers, such as bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or a charcuterie board, for an Italian-inspired dinner.
4. Pair with Wine: For an extra special touch, pair your Spaghetti Bolognese with a glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Merlot.

Additional Tips

Enhance your Spaghetti Bolognese experience with these helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh oregano or basil, try using them instead of dried for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
2. Make It Ahead: The Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Add Veggies: For a more veggie-packed dish, stir in some finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
5. Leftovers: Leftover sauce is perfect for making lasagna or a meatball sub the next day.
6. Grate the Cheese Fresh: Always grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture.
7. Use the Right Pasta: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or another pasta shape that holds the sauce well.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these fun variations of Spaghetti Bolognese:

• Vegetarian Bolognese: Swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicy Bolognese: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Bolognese: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or whole milk to make the sauce creamier.
• Spaghetti Squash: For a low-carb alternative, serve the Bolognese sauce over roasted spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
• Add Bacon: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage is key to keeping your Spaghetti Bolognese fresh for later:

• Storage: Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: The sauce freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or pasta water if needed.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare your Spaghetti Bolognese:

• Large Saucepan: For cooking the Bolognese sauce.
• Large Pot: To cook the pasta.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce and breaking up the meat.
• Grater: For fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Tongs: To toss the pasta with the sauce.

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Conclusion

This Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is everything you could ask for in a comforting pasta dish: hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a plate of this classic Italian comfort food.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!