Introduction

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish celebrated worldwide for its rich, savory meat sauce served over tender spaghetti noodles. The sauce, slowly simmered with ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine, becomes deeply flavorful and comforting. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers a perfect balance of hearty, aromatic, and indulgent flavors.

This version emphasizes freshness and depth of flavor, making it an ideal meal for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy weeknight indulgence. The slow-cooked sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s satisfying, wholesome, and irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, comforting, and endlessly versatile. The slow-simmered sauce creates a deep, robust flavor that’s unmatched by quick-cooked versions. Every bite is a harmony of savory meat, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Adding fresh Parmesan at the end elevates the dish, giving it a nutty, salty finish that perfectly complements the sauce. It’s a recipe that fills the kitchen with warmth and brings people together around the table.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Italian comfort food: A timeless recipe loved by all ages.
• Rich, layered flavors: Slow cooking intensifies the savory depth of the sauce.
• Perfect texture: Tender spaghetti coated with hearty, luscious Bolognese sauce.
• Versatile: Serve with garlic bread, salad, or a glass of wine.
• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1–1.5 hours (simmering the sauce)
• Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~550 kcal
• Course: Main course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup red wine (optional, can replace with beef broth)
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream (optional, for richness)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
• Salted water for boiling

For Serving:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Cracked black pepper (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Prepare the base
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened (5–6 minutes).
2. Cook the meat
   • Add ground beef to the pan.
   • Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
   • Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Deglaze and build flavor
   • Pour in red wine (if using) and cook until reduced by half.
   • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Simmer the sauce
   • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf.
   • Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Add milk or cream during the last 10 minutes if using, for a richer sauce.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the spaghetti
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside.
6. Combine and serve
   • Toss cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce.
   • Plate and generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and cracked black pepper if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine for a full Italian experience.
• Extra sauce can be kept in a gravy boat or mixed into the pasta for family-style serving.

Recipe Tips

• Brown the meat thoroughly for deeper flavor.
• Simmer the sauce slowly to allow flavors to meld.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra richness.
• Freshly grated Parmesan always tastes better than pre-shredded.
• Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Variations

• Vegetable Bolognese: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Spicy Bolognese: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
• Turkey or Chicken Bolognese: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meat and sauté vegetables first, then simmer in a slow cooker for 4–6 hours for enhanced flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater for fresh Parmesan

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Bolognese sauce often tastes better the next day as flavors develop.

Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed?
Yes, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce. Blend diced tomatoes if desired.

Q: Can I skip the wine?
Yes, substitute with beef broth or water.

Q: How do I store leftover pasta with sauce?
Store pasta and sauce separately for best texture; mix together when reheating.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Bolognese with Fresh Parmesan Cheese is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Italy to your home kitchen. With its rich, slow-simmered sauce, tender spaghetti, and fresh Parmesan topping, it’s a dish that satisfies both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Easy to make, versatile, and deeply flavorful, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves classic Italian cuisine.