Spaghetti Bolognese recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring a rich meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This recipe is perfect for a quick midweek dinner or can be slow-cooked for an indulgent meal. With its deep flavor and satisfying texture, Spaghetti Bolognese is a family favorite that pairs perfectly with a fresh salad and garlic bread.

Ingredients

• For the Bolognese Sauce:
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 lb (500g) ground beef or a mix of pork and beef
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) dry red wine (or water/beef broth)
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled
  • 28 oz (800g) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp white sugar (if needed)
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For Serving:
  • 13 oz (400g) spaghetti, dried
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
   • Turn the heat to high, add the ground beef, and cook while breaking it up into small pieces. Continue until browned, about 2 minutes.
   • Pour in the red wine, bring to a simmer, and cook for 1 minute until the alcohol evaporates, scraping the bottom of the pot.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, crumbled beef bouillon cubes, and sugar (if needed). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it bubble gently. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a richer sauce, add 3/4 cup of water, cover, and simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
3. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, minus 1 minute for a firmer texture.
   • Scoop out a mug of pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the spaghetti.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta into the Bolognese sauce along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Serve:
   • Divide the spaghetti between bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is packed with flavor, quick enough for a weekday meal, and perfect for slow cooking on the weekends. Whether you toss the pasta in the sauce for a glossy finish or simply serve it topped with the rich meat sauce, it’s sure to become a beloved staple at your dinner table. Serve with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal!

For more details, visit the full recipe

Thank you for following me on  Facebook , Pinterest !