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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese

A classic Italian Spaghetti Bolognese recipe featuring tender minced beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This comforting and hearty meal is simple to prepare, family-friendly, and customizable to suit various dietary preferences.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 500g minced beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced

Tomato Base

  • 140g canned plum or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 400g spaghetti
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Finely dice the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large pan and gently sauté these vegetables over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Brown the Minced Meat: Add the minced beef to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over and no pink remains, roughly 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add Tomato Elements: Stir in the tomato paste and canned tomatoes, mixing thoroughly to combine and intensify the sauce.
  4. Season and Simmer: Pour in the red wine if using. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  6. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce or plate the noodles topped with sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onion for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to develop richer, complex flavors.
  • Brown the meat thoroughly to add savoriness to the dish.
  • Season gradually, tasting and adjusting salt and pepper during cooking.
  • Reserve some pasta water to add silkiness when mixing sauce and noodles.
  • Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving for brightness.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Can be gluten free (use gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, Italian pasta, minced beef sauce, comfort food, family meal