If there’s one dish that never fails to comfort and satisfy, it’s spaghetti bolognese. This classic Italian favorite has made its way into kitchens around the world, loved for its hearty flavors and simple preparation.

Originating from Bologna, Italy, this recipe has a rich history dating back centuries, evolving from humble beginnings to become a beloved staple in households everywhere.

Despite its widespread popularity, mastering spaghetti bolognese doesn’t require culinary expertise. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate this timeless dish in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, spaghetti bolognese is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

The beauty of spaghetti bolognese lies in its versatility. While the traditional recipe calls for minced beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a meatier sauce or want to incorporate additional vegetables, the possibilities are endless.

Expert Tip: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Ingredients

Spaghetti: Spaghetti provides the perfect base for soaking up the rich, savory bolognese sauce. Its long, thin strands complement the hearty texture of the meat sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

Minced Meat Beef: Ground beef adds depth and flavor to the bolognese sauce, giving it a hearty and satisfying taste. Opt for lean minced beef for a healthier option, or use a combination of beef and pork for added richness.

Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, enhancing its flavor profile. As it cooks down, the onion melts into the sauce, creating a rich and aromatic base for the dish.

Garlic: Minced garlic lends a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce, elevating its taste to new heights. Be sure to mince the garlic finely to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavor to the sauce while keeping it moist and flavorful.

Tomatoes: Whether using fresh tomatoes or canned, tomatoes form the base of the bolognese sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor. Chopped tomatoes add texture and depth to the sauce, while tomato paste enhances its color and richness.

Dried Oregano and Basil: These aromatic herbs add a burst of flavor to the sauce, infusing it with a fragrant and savory taste. Dried herbs work well in this recipe, but you can also use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

Beef Stock Cube: Dissolved in hot water, beef stock adds depth and richness to the bolognese sauce, intensifying its flavor profile. It helps to create a savory base for the sauce, balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce to taste, salt and black pepper add depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a final touch of richness and umami flavor to the dish, tying all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

Expert Tip: For a richer flavor, cook the bolognese sauce low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop over time.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Presentation: Serve the spaghetti bolognese hot, freshly plated in individual bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the rich bolognese sauce, allowing the savory aroma to tantalize your senses. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.
• Family Style Feast: For a cozy family meal, transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large serving platter and ladle the bolognese sauce over the top. Place extra Parmesan cheese and a bowl of freshly torn basil leaves on the table, allowing everyone to customize their servings according to their taste preferences.
• Accompaniments Galore: Create a complete meal experience by serving spaghetti bolognese alongside a variety of complementary side dishes. Offer a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil and herbs, and slices of warm, crusty Italian bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
• Leftover Remix: Get creative with leftover spaghetti bolognese by using it as a versatile ingredient in other dishes. Use the sauce as a filling for stuffed peppers or mushrooms, layer it between sheets of lasagna noodles for a hearty baked pasta dish, or stir it into soups and stews for added depth and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild and enjoy the delicious versatility of spaghetti bolognese leftovers.

Expert Tip: Leftover bolognese sauce makes a delicious filling for stuffed peppers, baked potatoes, or even as a topping for homemade pizza. Simply get creative with your leftovers and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook spaghetti bolognese?

The cooking time for spaghetti bolognese typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sauce and the desired level of tenderness of the meat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef in this recipe if you prefer a lighter option. Just be aware that the flavor and texture of the sauce may vary slightly.

Can I make spaghetti bolognese ahead of time?

Yes, spaghetti bolognese is an excellent dish for meal prep. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. Simply reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté them along with the onion and garlic until softened before adding the meat.

Is spaghetti bolognese gluten-free?

While spaghetti itself is typically made from wheat flour and is not gluten-free, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti noodles or other gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chicken Spaghetti
• Spaghetti Meatballs
• Garlic Butter Noodles
• Creamy Chicken Pasta
• Penne Arrabbiata

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Spaghetti Bolognese

by Nabeela Kauser

Unearth the pleasure of homemade spaghetti bolognese, a classic Italian dish known for its robust flavours and hearty ingredients. Experience a culinary journey without leaving your kitchen. Suitable for beginners and expert chefs alike! 

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine British, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 882 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Spaghetti
• ▢ 500 g Minced Meat Beef
• ▢ 1 Onion Finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• ▢ 400 g Tomatoes Chopped
• ▢ 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• ▢ 1 tsp Dried Basil
• ▢ 1 Beef Stock Cube Dissolved In 200ml Hot Water
• ▢ Salt And Black Pepper To taste
• ▢ Parmesan Cheese Grated, to serve

Instructions

• Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft.
• Add the beef mince to the frying pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's browned all over.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil to the frying pan. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
• Pour the beef stock into the pan and stir well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Simmer the Bolognese sauce for 15-20 minutes until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
• Serve the spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce spooned over the top and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 882kcalCarbohydrates: 102gProtein: 40gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 539mgPotassium: 942mgFibre: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 242IUVitamin C: 14mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 98mgIron: 6mg

Keyword Beef, Comfort Food, Meat, Minced Meat, Pasta, Spaghetti

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