Recipe.net
🍽️ Restaurants ✦ Your Page
🆕 Latest Recipes 📖 Latest Articles

Course

Dietary Preference

Main Ingredient

Cooking Method

Cuisine

Season & Occasions

Cooking Techniques

Ingredient Guides

Substitutions & Swaps

Equipment & Tools

Food Science

Meal Prep & Storage

Kitchen Basics

How-To Guides

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Recipe Details

Prep 20 m
Cook 90 m
Total 110 m
Serves 4
Calories 645 kcal
Level Medium

"Savor the deep, rich flavors of a traditional Italian ragu served over perfectly al dente pasta. This slow-simmered Bolognese sauce combines tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and sweet tomatoes for the ultimate comfort meal."

Ingredients

Qty Item
2 tbsp Olive oil
1.1 lb Ground beef (80/20)
1 large Yellow onion, finely diced
2 medium Carrots, finely diced
2 stalks Celery stalks, finely diced
3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp Tomato paste
0.5 cup Dry red wine
28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup Beef stock
1 tsp Dried oregano
1 tsp Dried basil
14 oz Spaghetti pasta
0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

3

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly and smells fragrant.

4

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.

5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef stock. Add the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6

Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer the sauce for at least 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.

7

In the last 15 minutes of simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.

8

Drain the pasta and toss with the Bolognese sauce. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.


Tips for Best Results

  • ·

    For a richer sauce, add a splash of whole milk 30 minutes before the end of cooking to tenderize the meat.

  • ·

    Always save about half a cup of pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce when mixing.

  • ·

    The longer you simmer the sauce, the more depth of flavor it will have. If it gets too thick, add a little more stock.

  • ·

    Use a mix of ground beef and pork (50/50) for a more traditional and flavorful profile.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Bolognese sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
What is the best wine for Bolognese?
A dry red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works best to enhance the savory notes of the beef.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or brown lentils, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.


Step-by-Step Visual Guide

Traditional Eggplant Parmigiana

Next Recipe

Traditional Eggplant Parmigiana

Experience the soul of Southern Italy with this authentic Melanzane alla Parmigiana. Crispy, golden eggplant slices are layered with a robust, slow-simmered tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a decadent blend of mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Cook Traditional Eggplant Parmigiana