The aroma of simmering sauce wafting through the air, the twirling strands of spaghetti glistening in the light, and the rich, hearty flavors of Spaghetti Bolognese dancing on your palate—this is comfort food at its finest. Picture yourself diving into a bowl of this Italian classic, where each bite tells a story of warmth and familial love. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, Spaghetti Bolognese brings people together like no other dish can.
This recipe isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about creating memories. I still remember the first time I attempted to make this dish for my friends. Let’s just say there were more laughs than culinary achievements that evening, but we all left with full stomachs and happy hearts. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Spaghetti Bolognese!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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- <p>This Spaghetti Bolognese is easy to whip up, making dinner prep a breeze
- The layers of flavor create a delightful taste experience you won’t forget
- A vibrant mix of colors makes it visually appealing on any plate
- Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prepping for busy weeks.</p><div class='hb-ad-inpage'><div class='hb-ad-inner'><div class='hbagency_cls hbagency_space_234245' id='hbagency_space_234245_4'></div></div></div>
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I once made this dish for a dinner party, and my friends declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” They devoured every last strand of spaghetti!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Spaghetti: Use high-quality pasta for the best texture and flavor; it can make all the difference.
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Ground Beef: Go for lean ground beef to keep your sauce rich without excess fat.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are a must; they add an aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
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Canned Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for depth in your sauce.
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Carrot: Finely diced carrots add natural sweetness and texture; they balance out acidity beautifully.
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Celery: Chopped celery contributes crunch and earthy flavor; don’t skip it!
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Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; use it generously while sautéing vegetables.
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Basil and Oregano: Fresh herbs are ideal, but dried works too—just adjust quantities accordingly.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors present in your dish.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan just before serving for that authentic Italian finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Sauté Your Base Ingredients: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; cook until tender and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in minced garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef. Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Introduce Your Tomatoes!: Pour in canned tomatoes along with their juice. Crush them gently with a spoon as they cook down into a luscious sauce.
Add Herbs and Season Well!: Sprinkle in dried basil and oregano along with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for 20-30 minutes to meld those flavors beautifully.
Cook Your Spaghetti Al Dente!: While your sauce simmers away like magic, boil salted water in another pot. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions—don’t forget to save some pasta water!
Combine Everything!: Drain spaghetti (remember that reserved water) and toss it into the sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Now you’ve got something special: a rich plate of Spaghetti Bolognese ready to be devoured! Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top while you bask in compliments from your guests!
Enjoying each bite will feel like a warm hug from Italy itself!
You Must Know
- Spaghetti Bolognese is a comfort food classic that warms the heart
- The rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs fills your kitchen, making it feel like home
- Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then brown the meat before adding tomatoes and herbs. This sequence builds layers of flavor and ensures your sauce has depth.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with ingredients like mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture. You can also switch up the herbs—basil or oregano work beautifully in this dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Spaghetti Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh herbs for a vibrant taste; dried herbs can lack character
- Don’t rush the cooking process—slow simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully
- Pair with garlic bread for an unforgettable meal experience!
I remember the first time I made Spaghetti Bolognese; my friends raved about it, claiming it was better than any restaurant’s version! Their enthusiasm inspired me to perfect my recipe over time.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works well in Spaghetti Bolognese.
What pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Traditional spaghetti is ideal, but penne or fettuccine also complement the sauce nicely.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is the epitome of Italian comfort food, combining tender spaghetti with a rich, hearty meat sauce. This delightful dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. With its aromatic blend of spices and fresh ingredients, each bite transports you to Italy, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. Ready to savor this classic recipe? Let’s get cooking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 500g lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g canned tomatoes (whole or crushed)
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 stick celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until tender.
- Stir in minced garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef. Cook until browned.
- Pour in canned tomatoes and crush them gently with a spoon. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain spaghetti and combine with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
