The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite comfort food around the world. This rich, flavorful meat sauce combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s how to make the ultimate spaghetti Bolognese at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or red wine)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound spaghetti
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth (or red wine). Mix well to combine.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water.
6. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
7. Combine and Serve: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the pot with the sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the meat sauce. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese

• Use Quality Meat: For the best flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them! Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor of the sauce.
• Slow Cook: The longer the sauce simmers, the better it will taste. If you have time, let it cook for an hour or more.
• Wine: Adding red wine instead of beef broth can add a rich, deep flavor to the sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving for a creamy Bolognese sauce.

Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. With these tips and this recipe, you’ll be able to make a delicious and authentic Bolognese sauce that will impress everyone at the table.

Keywords: Spaghetti, Bolognese, Meat Sauce, Pasta, Italian Cuisine, Homemade, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe

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