Classic Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Meat Sauce
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food recipe packed with hearty ground beef, slow-simmered tomato sauce, garlic, herbs, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This cozy Italian-inspired pasta dinner is full of rich, savory flavors that make every bite satisfying and delicious.
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 u0026 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
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables : Dice onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. These form the classic soffritto base that adds depth to the sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Tomato Paste u0026 Tomatoes : Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to remove raw flavor. Add canned tomatoes and tomato purée.
- Season the Sauce : Add sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Deglaze with Wine : Pour in red wine (if using), scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Stock u0026 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.
- Cook the Spaghetti : In a separate pot, cook spaghetti according to package instructions in generously salted water. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
- Combine u0026 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.