Description
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a warm and comforting Italian dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti pasta tossed in a rich, hearty tomato and meat sauce. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple everyday ingredients to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 500g ground beef or pork
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
Tomato Base
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 400g canned tomatoes
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 400g spaghetti pasta (dry or fresh)
Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to create the soffritto, the aromatic base that builds deep flavor. Have your ground meat and canned tomatoes ready.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook gently until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or pork to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over with no large chunks remaining to ensure a luscious, consistent sauce.
- Add Tomato Paste and Liquids: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize and intensify its flavor. Pour in canned tomatoes and, if using, red wine to create the rich sauce base.
- Simmer and Season: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for at least 20 minutes to meld the flavors, longer if possible for deeper richness.
- Cook Spaghetti: Meanwhile, boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce directly or plate the sauce on top. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley for freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor and aroma.
- Don’t rush the simmering process—slow cooking deepens flavor and thickens the sauce nicely.
- If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the spaghetti.
- Choose long, thin spaghetti for the best texture to hold the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup sauce with 100g cooked pasta)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: spaghetti, bolognese, italian, pasta, meat sauce, comfort food, easy dinner
