Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian-inspired dish, featuring a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This comforting meal is full of deep, savory flavors and pairs beautifully with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
✅ 400g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
✅ 1 small onion (finely chopped)
✅ 2 cloves garlic (minced)
✅ 1 carrot (finely diced or grated)
✅ 1 celery stalk (finely chopped, optional but traditional)
✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
✅ 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes (or 4 fresh, chopped tomatoes)
✅ 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for depth of flavor)
✅ 100ml red wine (optional, for richness)
✅ 200ml beef broth (or water, for consistency)
✅ 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
✅ 1 bay leaf (optional, for aroma)
✅ ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
✅ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✅ 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
✅ 300g spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
✅ Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
✅ Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
3️⃣ Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
4️⃣ Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
5️⃣ Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
6️⃣ Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer for Flavor
7️⃣ Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8️⃣ If needed, add a little water to keep the sauce from drying out.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
9️⃣ While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain well.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
🌿 Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and toss with the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍝