Spaghetti with Ground Beef Bolognese Sauce is a timeless Italian comfort food classic that brings together tender pasta and a rich, savory meat sauce. This dish is beloved for its deep flavors, hearty texture, and satisfying warmth, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy weeknight meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it embodies the heart of home cooking. The aroma of simmering Bolognese fills the kitchen, and the combination of tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti is irresistible. It’s comforting, wholesome, and always satisfying.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Italian comfort food everyone loves
• Hearty and filling yet simple to prepare
• Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
• Rich, savory, and balanced flavors
• Pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or salad

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories: ~550 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Spaghetti

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• Salted water for boiling

Optional Toppings

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Cooking Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking up clumps with a spatula.
4. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
7. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh parsley or basil.
8. Serve Bolognese sauce over hot spaghetti and garnish with Parmesan or fresh basil.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare aromatics: Chop onion, carrot, celery, and garlic finely for even cooking.
2. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil; cook onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
3. Brown the meat: Add ground beef; cook until no pink remains and meat is crumbly.
4. Add tomato elements: Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes for richness and body.
5. Season and simmer: Add broth, herbs, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Reduce heat and simmer 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Cook spaghetti: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and keep warm.
7. Combine and serve: Spoon sauce over spaghetti, garnish with cheese or herbs.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately over hot, cooked spaghetti.
• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
• Add freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor.
• Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top for a gourmet touch.

Recipe Tips

• Simmer sauce gently for richer flavor; longer is better if time allows.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.
• For extra depth, deglaze pan with a splash of red wine before adding tomatoes.
• Adjust thickness by adding more broth or simmering longer.
• Don’t overcook pasta; al dente texture is ideal for clinging sauce.

Variations

• Vegetable Bolognese: Replace half the beef with mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Creamy Bolognese: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or milk at the end for a creamy sauce.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap beef for a leaner protein for a lighter version.
• Slow Cooker Bolognese: Combine all ingredients except pasta in a slow cooker; cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze sauce for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet, sauté pan, or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 6–8 ripe tomatoes, peeled and pureed.

Q: Should I cover the sauce while simmering?
Simmer uncovered for thicker sauce; cover partially for thinner sauce.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Spaghetti with Ground Beef Bolognese Sauce is a classic, comforting dish that never fails to satisfy. With rich, savory flavors, tender pasta, and a perfectly balanced sauce, it’s a meal that feels both luxurious and homely. Easy to prepare, versatile, and loved by all ages, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates traditional Italian cooking.