Description
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting Italian dish featuring tender ground meat simmered in a rich tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This hearty and flavorful meal combines simple pantry ingredients like beef or pork, fresh aromatics, and herbs to create a satisfying, family-friendly dish ideal for any occasion. Slow simmering the sauce intensifies the flavors, producing a timeless classic that is both easy to prepare and versatile to adapt for dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 500g ground beef or pork
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
Pantry Staples & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400g canned tomatoes or 400ml passata
- 125ml red wine (optional)
- 125ml milk or cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1–2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Pasta
- 400g spaghetti
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the ground beef or pork. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, ensuring it is evenly caramelized for maximum flavor.
- Deglaze and Simmer: If using, pour in 125ml of red wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce slightly, then stir in the canned tomatoes or passata along with bay leaves, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Towards the end, add 125ml of milk or cream to balance acidity and create a smooth, luscious texture.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook 400g of spaghetti in well-salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with several spoonfuls of the Bolognese sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture. Serve immediately with extra sauce on top and optional garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.
Notes
- Low and slow: Simmer the sauce gently to develop richer, deeper flavors.
- Finely chop veggies: Smaller pieces help the ingredients blend smoothly and melt into the sauce.
- Use quality canned tomatoes: Good tomatoes are key for authentic flavor and vibrant color.
- Add dairy last: Stir in milk or cream near the end to soften acidity without curdling.
- Rest before serving: Allow the sauce to sit off heat for a few minutes to let flavors meld perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: spaghetti bolognese, Italian recipe, classic pasta sauce, ground beef sauce, comfort food, family meal
