Spaghetti Bolognese – Classic Italian Comfort Food
Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner. This Italian classic combines tender ground beef with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti. It’s an easy recipe that you can tweak to your taste, making it ideal for a homemade meal. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Bolognese sauce will be a hit.
Ingredients
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
Cook the spaghetti. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Brown the beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned.
Build the sauce. Stir in the tomato paste, canned tomatoes, oregano, basil, and beef broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Simmer. Cover and let the sauce simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld together.
Season. Taste and season with salt and pepper. You can add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
Serve. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, or serve the sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe tips
For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce for longer—up to 2 hours if you have time. Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce before simmering enhances the depth of flavor. If you like a creamier sauce, stir in a small amount of milk or cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You can also use a mix of ground beef and pork for a more traditional Bolognese.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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