Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Brief Backstory
Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless Italian classic that has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of people worldwide. Originating from Bologna in Italy, this hearty pasta dish traditionally features a rich meat sauce served over spaghetti pasta. While the authentic recipe calls for a few key ingredients, it’s also a versatile dish that welcomes personal touches and creative adaptations.
Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Learn how to make the ultimate comfort food with this classic Spaghetti Bolognese recipe. Follow step-by-step instructions to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (350g) Dried spaghetti
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Onion inely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced crushed garlic for convenience
- 10 oz (300g) Ground Beef
- 14 oz (400g) Chopped tomatoes canned
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Dried oregano
- 1 tbsp Dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves used for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.2. Prepare the Sauce: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.3. Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.4. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil—season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.5. Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta with the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.6. Serve: Divide the Spaghetti Bolognese among serving plates. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
CREATIVE TWISTS AND MODERN ADAPTATIONS Vegetarian Variation: For a meatless version of this dish, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a gluten-free alternative. Add Veggies: For extra flavor and texture, incorporate finely diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers into the sauce. Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the Bolognese sauce. Slow Cooker Method: Prepare the sauce in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience. Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics before transferring everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
