Spaghetti bolognese with carrots, celery and nutmeg
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Spaghetti Bolognese recipe! This hearty Italian classic features a rich, savory sauce made with ground beef, carrots, celery, onions, and a hint of nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor. Perfectly paired with al dente spaghetti, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and become a family favorite. Easy to follow and ready in just under an hour, it’s the perfect meal for any night of the week.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 onion
2 carrots
1 stalk celery
2 garlic cloves
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 can canned tomato paste
2 cans canned tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
18 oz pasta
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of ground beef with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices. In this version, we incorporate the sweetness of carrots, the earthy flavor of celery, and a hint of nutmeg to create a deeply satisfying sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Cook until the beef is browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to integrate it with the beef.
- Add the canned tomatoes, dried oregano, ground nutmeg, and brown sugar to the beef mixture. Stir well.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of water and mix until well combined.
- Season with a dash of salt and a dash of black pepper (adjust to taste).
- Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together. If needed, add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency.
- While the sauce is simmering, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water and then add the pasta.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce over the pasta as desired.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Tips:
- Dice the vegetables finely to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the sauce.
- Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft and starting to caramelize to develop deeper flavors.
- Use a mix of ground beef with 80/20% fat content to achieve a juicy and flavorful sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The longer, the better.
- Add a dash of salt and black pepper gradually, tasting as you go to ensure the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more water to reach the desired consistency.
- Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, as it will continue to cook once mixed with the hot sauce.
With its delicious combination of tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices, this Spaghetti Bolognese is both comforting and flavorful. By following the tips provided, you’ll be able to create a dish that not only tastes amazing but also brings a touch of Italian cuisine to your table. Serve it with a side salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal that will please any crowd.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 610kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 80g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 13g
Fat 22g
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