Spaghetti bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish featuring ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, enhanced with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This hearty meal is straightforward to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

11 Dec 2025
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
2 garlic cloves
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1/3 cup tomato puree
2 cans canned tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup water
16 oz pasta

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that combines savory ground beef with a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves.

2. Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

4. Add Tomato Base and Seasonings:
- Stir in the tomato puree, canned tomatoes, dried oregano, and ground nutmeg. Pour in the 1/2 cup of water to ensure the mixture has enough liquid.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.

5. Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

6. Combine and Serve:
- Taste the Bolognese sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
- Serve the spaghetti Bolognese hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, if desired.

Your delicious Spaghetti Bolognese is now ready to serve. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped basil for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish with family and friends.

Spaghetti bolognese FAQ:

How long should I simmer the Bolognese sauce?

Simmer the Bolognese sauce for at least 30 minutes. For richer flavor, you can simmer longer, up to 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture will differ slightly from traditional Bolognese.

What pasta shape works best for Bolognese?

Spaghetti is commonly used, but other pasta shapes such as fettuccine, pappardelle, or penne can work well too, especially for holding onto the sauce.

How do I know when the pasta is cooked perfectly?

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Taste a strand to check for doneness.

How should I store leftover Bolognese sauce?

Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Cooking Tips:

- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.

- Don’t rush the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat for an extended period helps deepen the flavors.

- Season appropriately: Taste and adjust seasonings, such as salt and pepper, throughout the cooking process to ensure a balanced taste.

- Cook pasta properly: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, to maintain a good texture.

- Add pasta to sauce: Toss your cooked pasta into the Bolognese sauce just before serving for better flavor absorption.

Nutrition Facts

6 Servings
Calories 550kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 70g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 8g
Fat 22g

Spaghetti bolognese