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Spaghetti Bolognese with Beef

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A quick and comforting classic Italian Spaghetti Bolognese with ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with aromatic vegetables and herbs. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, versatile for customization, and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 400g lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400g canned tomatoes (whole or crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 350g spaghetti (regular, whole wheat or gluten-free)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

Optional Additions & Variations

  • 100g mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes or chili powder, to taste (optional for spicy kick)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary as an herb variation

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Begin boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions, so it’s ready when the sauce is finished.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, adding optional veggies here if desired.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Sprinkle dried Italian herbs, season with salt and pepper, and reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavors.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti and Combine: Drain the cooked spaghetti once tender. Either mix the pasta gently into the sauce or serve the sauce ladled over the spaghetti for a classic presentation.

Notes

  • Patience is key: simmer the sauce slowly for rich flavor development.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano if possible for a brighter sauce.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the sauce from getting greasy.
  • Reserve a splash of pasta cooking water to add to the sauce for a silkier texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture when combined with the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti bolognese, beef pasta, Italian dinner, easy weeknight recipe, classic bolognese, family meal, comforting pasta dish

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/spaghetti-bolognese-with-beef/