07 May 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
2 large zucchini
1 carrot
14 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1/3 cup pasta sauce
12 oz pasta
2 tbsp fresh parsley
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has been a favorite in households worldwide. It is a hearty and flavorful meal featuring a rich meat sauce served over tender pasta. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to make this delicious dish.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion and carrot.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Dice the zucchinis.
- Chop the fresh parsley.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cook the Zucchini and Carrot:
- Add the diced zucchini and finely chopped carrot to the skillet.
- Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet.
- Add the ground beef to the center and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Ensure the meat is fully cooked and there are no pink parts remaining.
6. Combine with Pasta Sauce:
- Once the ground beef is cooked, mix it with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in 1/3 cup of pasta sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
7. Mix Pasta and Bolognese Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Bolognese sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
8. Serve:
- Transfer the spaghetti Bolognese to plates or a large serving dish.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Tips:
- For a more flavorful sauce, let the Bolognese simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste during cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or celery to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as a topping for an authentic Italian touch.
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold the sauce better and provide a nice texture.
- For an even healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Congratulations! You've just made a delightful plate of Spaghetti Bolognese. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this classic meal with family and friends.