A Family-Friendly Comfort Dish
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a beloved dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your dining table. This hearty pasta dish features a rich, savory sauce made from ground meat, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful meal for family and friends. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, mastering the art of making Classic Spaghetti Bolognese will elevate your cooking skills. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love.
There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty Spaghetti Bolognese. This Italian-inspired dish is not only popular in the United States, but also a beloved staple in countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. With its rich meat sauce and tender pasta, Spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect family-friendly meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this classic Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create this flavorful dish.
What is Spaghetti Bolognese?
Spaghetti Bolognese, also known simply as “Bolognese” in many parts of the world, is a meat-based sauce originating from the region of Bologna, Italy. Traditionally made with ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, this slow-cooked sauce is rich, savory, and pairs perfectly with pasta.
However, the version commonly found outside of Italy often varies, and spaghetti is the pasta of choice. The American, British, and Australian adaptations of Bolognese sauce typically include garlic, herbs, and sometimes a splash of wine to elevate the flavor. This dish has become a favorite for its hearty texture and satisfying flavors.
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Ingredients for Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
This easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to make a rich and flavorful sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 400g (14 oz) ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef stock or water
- ½ cup red wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Ingredients:
- Milk or cream (to make the sauce richer and creamier)
- Red pepper flakes (for a bit of spice)
- Mushrooms or zucchini (for extra veggies)
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery. These ingredients will add a great base flavor to the sauce and help build its richness.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it turns brown, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Wine
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine to the vegetables, stirring well to combine. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. This will give your Bolognese sauce a rich depth.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Return the browned beef to the pan, then pour in the beef stock (or water). Add the oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavors will develop.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set aside.
Step 7: Serve
Toss the cooked spaghetti in the Bolognese sauce or serve the sauce on top of the pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a finishing touch.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese
- Use Quality Beef: The flavor of the sauce depends heavily on the quality of your meat. Ground beef with a good balance of fat will make your sauce rich and flavorful.
- Simmer Longer for Better Flavor: While this recipe can be ready in about 30 minutes, letting the sauce simmer for an hour or more will develop even deeper flavors.
- Wine Adds Depth: While red wine is optional, it adds a robust flavor to the sauce. You can substitute it with beef stock if preferred.
- Add Milk for Creaminess: To make the sauce even richer, some Italian recipes recommend adding a splash of milk or cream towards the end of cooking.
FAQs About Spaghetti Bolognese
Can I Make Spaghetti Bolognese in Advance?
Yes, Spaghetti Bolognese is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I Freeze Bolognese Sauce?
Absolutely! Bolognese sauce freezes well. Simply cool the sauce completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in a saucepan.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
While spaghetti is the traditional choice for this dish, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well with the hearty sauce.
How Can I Make Spaghetti Bolognese Healthier?
You can lighten the dish by using lean ground beef or even substituting half of the beef with ground turkey. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach will also make the dish more nutritious without compromising on flavor.
A Classic Comfort Food Loved Worldwide
In conclusion, making Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is not only easy but also a rewarding culinary experience. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any gathering. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal that will impress your guests. Don’t forget to explore other pasta recipes on our blog for more delicious ideas!
Learn more about the history of Bolognese sauce on LIVIA.
For another delicious pasta option, check out our Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe
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