Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

 


Introduction

Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting Italian-inspired favorite made with tender ground beef, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and herbs simmered into a rich, flavorful sauce. Served over perfectly cooked spaghetti and finished with Parmesan, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy. The sauce is simple to prepare and becomes even more delicious as it gently simmers, making this recipe perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals.

⏱️ Prep Time

15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time

40 minutes

🕒 Total Time

55 minutes

🌡️ Oven Temperature

N/A — Stovetop

🧩 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Ground Beef: Creates a rich, hearty sauce; ground turkey can be used for a lighter option.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Form the flavorful tomato base; diced tomatoes can be substituted.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; shallots work well too.
  • Garlic: Provides savory flavor; garlic powder can be used when needed.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds classic herbal flavor; use dried oregano and basil separately.
  • Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish; Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.

❓ TIPS SECTION

  • Brown the beef well before adding the tomatoes for deeper flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce gently rather than boiling it rapidly.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Toss the spaghetti with the sauce before serving so every strand is coated.

🧺 Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and your favorite fresh herbs.

🌿 Garnish & Serving

  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle generously over the finished pasta.
  • Fresh Basil: Add torn basil leaves for a fresh Italian-inspired finish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley for color and freshness.

🧊 Storage

Store leftover spaghetti and Bolognese sauce in separate airtight containers when possible for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed. Toss with freshly warmed pasta for the best texture.

⏰ Make Ahead

Prepare the Bolognese sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Reheat gently and cook fresh spaghetti just before serving.

🔄 Variations

  • Turkey Bolognese: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter sauce.
  • Creamy Bolognese: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer finish.
  • Vegetable Bolognese: Add finely diced carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.

🍽️ Serving Pairings

  • Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich tomato sauce.
  • Green Salad: Adds a crisp, refreshing contrast.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for extra vegetables.

This Spaghetti Bolognese is rich, hearty, comforting, and perfect for an easy family dinner.

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