Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Indulge in the classic and comforting flavors of Spaghetti Bolognese. This traditional Italian dish features a rich, meaty sauce infused with an aromatic blend of herbs, simmered to perfection and served over a bed of al dente spaghetti. Crafted to satisfy both the palate and the soul, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that embodies the essence of home-cooked Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• 100g (3.5 oz) pancetta, diced
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cans (400g each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Bolognese sauce: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, carrots, and celery: Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and pancetta to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
5. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the dry red wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
6. Combine tomatoes and paste: Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
7. Add seasonings: Add the bay leaves, dried oregano, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
9. Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Servings

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tools Needed

• Large pot
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Skill Level

Intermediate

Recipe Course and Cuisine

• Course:
  • Main Course
• Cuisine:
  • Italian

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

Serve your Spaghetti Bolognese in shallow pasta bowls to make it easy to twirl the spaghetti onto a fork. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves on top for added flavor and a visually appealing touch. Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the meal. For a more authentic Italian experience, a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Barbera would complement the dish wonderfully.

Storage Conditions

If you have leftovers, allow the Bolognese sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the sauce separate from the cooked spaghetti to prevent it from becoming soggy. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to reach the desired consistency. Cooked spaghetti can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated by briefly immersing in boiling water.

Health Benefits

Spaghetti Bolognese offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats. The lean ground meat provides essential proteins and iron, while the tomatoes add a good dose of vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, which can help fight off free radicals and improve heart health. Whole grain pasta versions can add more fiber to your diet, promoting better digestive health. Additionally, garlic and onions, often included in the sauce, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost the immune system.

Recommendations for Vegans

To make Spaghetti Bolognese vegan, substitute the ground meat with plant-based alternatives such as lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and carrots. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute for the Parmesan garnish, or omit it altogether. Ensure the pasta is egg-free, selecting a variety made from whole grains, chickpeas, or other plant-based ingredients for an extra boost of fiber and protein.

Similar Recipes

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese
• Pasta Primavera
• Mushroom Ragu with Spaghetti
• Beef Ragù with Pappardelle
• Spaghetti Carbonara

Enjoy preparing this classic Italian dish! Buon appetito!