Introduction

Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless Italian classic that has won hearts worldwide. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked meat with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic vegetables, garlic, and Italian herbs. The sauce clings beautifully to perfectly cooked spaghetti, creating a hearty and comforting meal. What makes this recipe special is the depth of flavor developed through slow cooking, allowing every ingredient to shine. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep, as the flavors improve over time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food. The sauce is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and savoriness from the meat and herbs. It’s a one-pot wonder that fills the kitchen with a delicious aroma, making the whole house feel cozy. Plus, it’s highly customizable to your taste, whether you like it meaty, extra saucy, or slightly spicy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s both authentic and approachable. It’s a classic dish that everyone loves, and it teaches fundamental cooking techniques like sautéing, simmering, and seasoning perfectly. The Bolognese sauce is versatile—you can use it for pasta, lasagna, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Once you master it, it becomes a reliable go-to dish for any occasion.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
• 100 g pancetta or bacon, diced (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée (optional for extra richness)
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 125 ml (½ cup) red wine (optional, adds depth)
• 250 ml (1 cup) beef or chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Pasta:

• 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti
• Salt, for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil, sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until soft.
3. Brown ground meat with pancetta until fully cooked.
4. Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, tomato purée, sugar, herbs, and bay leaf.
5. Add red wine and simmer until reduced slightly.
6. Pour in stock, reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer 45–60 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
8. Serve sauce over cooked spaghetti, garnish with parsley and Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Prep the Vegetables:
   Dice onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. These form the classic soffritto base that adds depth to the sauce.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Brown the Meat:
   Add ground beef (and pancetta if using) to the pan. Break the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Tomato Paste & Tomatoes:
   Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to remove raw flavor. Add canned tomatoes and tomato purée.
5. Season the Sauce:
   Add sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Deglaze with Wine:
   Pour in red wine (if using), scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Add Stock & Simmer:
   Pour in stock, reduce heat to low, and cover partially. Let the sauce simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich in flavor.
8. Cook the Spaghetti:
   In a separate pot, cook spaghetti according to package instructions in generously salted water. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
9. Combine & Serve:
   Toss spaghetti with a portion of sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Plate, spoon more sauce on top, sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, straight from the stove with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
• Pair with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a glass of red wine for a full Italian experience.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of beef and pork for a more flavorful sauce.
• Slow simmering is key—don’t rush it. Low and slow develops deep flavors.
• Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a fresher taste.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or stock; if too thin, simmer uncovered.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.
• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
• Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a luxurious texture.
• Different Pasta: Try fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne instead of spaghetti.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled sauce in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander for draining pasta

FAQ

Q1: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken works, but the sauce will be lighter in flavor. Consider adding pancetta or mushrooms for richness.

Q2: Can I make this in advance?
A: Absolutely! Bolognese tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Q3: Do I need wine for this recipe?
A: Wine adds depth, but you can skip it and add extra stock instead.

Q4: How do I thicken a watery sauce?
A: Simmer uncovered until the sauce reduces, or add a teaspoon of tomato paste.

Q5: Can I use fresh tomatoes?
A: Yes, peel and dice them first. You may need a little extra simmering time to achieve a rich consistency.

Conclusion

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless dish that brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction to any meal. Its rich, slow-cooked meat sauce clinging to perfectly cooked spaghetti is a universal favorite. With this detailed recipe, you can recreate an authentic Italian experience at home that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. The versatility, simplicity, and depth of flavor make this dish a true kitchen staple. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.