Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish known for its rich, flavorful meat sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or impressing guests, this comforting and hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser. Follow these simple steps to make spaghetti Bolognese from scratch at home.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional but adds great depth of flavor)
- 1 cup milk or cream (optional for a creamy texture)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
For the Spaghetti:
- 400g spaghetti
- Salt (for the pasta water)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Step 2: Brown the Meat Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the meat is evenly browned to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Add the Tomato and Seasonings Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the paste to darken slightly and intensify the flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the sauce is well combined.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally and add a little water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will become. For an extra creamy touch, stir in the milk or cream about 15 minutes before the sauce is done cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
Step 6: Combine and Serve To serve, toss the cooked spaghetti with a little of the Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if necessary to help the sauce coat the noodles. Plate the spaghetti and top with the remaining Bolognese sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
Step 7: Enjoy Serve your homemade spaghetti Bolognese with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who like extra cheesy goodness.
Tips for Success
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the Bolognese with an immersion blender before serving.
- For an authentic touch, allow the sauce to sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. The flavors deepen and develop even more.
- For a variation, add a few tablespoons of finely chopped mushrooms to the sauce for extra umami.
- To make it even heartier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a bit of pancetta for added richness.
Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless dish that’s easy to make yet packed with flavor. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds and bring a bit of Italian comfort into your home.
