🛒 Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥕 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 🥬 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 🍅 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 🍷 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 🌿 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 🌿 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 🥄 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 🥄 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 🌿 2 tbsp olive oil
- 🌿 1 bay leaf
For the Pasta:
- 🍝 12 oz spaghetti
- 🧂 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
For Serving:
- 🧀 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 Fresh basil leaves
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Meat:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine and Serve
- Toss the Pasta:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the Bolognese sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Plate the Dish:
- Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🥖 Add Depth: For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end.
- 🧊 Make Ahead: The Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.
- 🌱 Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for lentils or plant-based ground beef.
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair this Spaghetti Bolognese with a crisp green salad and a side of garlic bread. For drinks, enjoy a glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Spaghetti Bolognese combines a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce with tender spaghetti, creating a hearty and comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s a timeless classic loved by all.
