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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese
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Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian comfort food featuring tender ground meat simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce, paired perfectly with al dente spaghetti. This quick and easy recipe delivers deep, homemade flavors ideal for busy weeknights and family-friendly meals. Customize with different meats or vegetarian options for a versatile dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (or pork, veal, turkey, or vegetarian alternative)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed or whole canned tomatoes
  • 2–3 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1–2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 12 oz spaghetti pasta
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This slow softening draws out natural sweetness and builds a savory foundation.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Brown it evenly until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. This caramelizes the meat’s surface, adding rich, umami depth.
  3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for a few minutes, then stir in canned tomatoes, basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  4. Slow Cook for Flavor: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook for 30-45 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld into a rich, luscious mixture.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  6. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for extra silkiness. Plate, top with freshly grated Parmesan, and garnish with basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions, garlic, and herbs whenever possible to elevate the sauce.
  • Don’t rush the simmering process; slow cooking develops deeper flavors.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and pasta for a glossy finish.
  • Choose a mix of lean and fatty ground meat for juicy, flavorful results without greasiness.
  • Season gradually throughout the cooking to build a balanced taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, Italian pasta, classic dinner, ground meat sauce, family meal, quick weeknight dinner

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