Spaghetti Bolognese: A Classic Recipe Delight

There’s something magical about spaghetti bolognese that transports me straight back to my childhood kitchen. Picture this: the savory aroma wafts through the air, a symphony of rich tomatoes and sizzling meat dancing together like they’re at a culinary ball. You can almost hear the pasta singing in harmony as it cooks to perfection, just waiting to embrace that luscious sauce. Now that’s a dinner worth daydreaming about!

Growing up, spaghetti bolognese was our family’s go-to comfort food. It was the kind of meal that brought us together after long days, where laughter mingled with the clatter of forks and spoons. Whether it was a cozy weeknight or a special Sunday dinner, this dish always made an appearance, dressed up with a sprinkle of parmesan and a side of garlic bread. You can bet your bottom dollar that every bowl wiped clean had stories to tell.

Ingredients for spaghetti bolognese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Look for 80/20 beef for optimal flavor and juiciness; you can also substitute with ground turkey or plant-based options.
• Onion: A medium onion adds depth; finely chop it so it blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will amp up the flavor; use about three or four minced cloves.
• Canned Tomatoes: Use whole or crushed tomatoes; they provide the perfect base for your sauce.
• Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato goodness thickens the sauce and intensifies flavor.
• Carrot: Finely grated carrot adds natural sweetness and balances acidity in the sauce.
• Celery: Diced celery gives crunch and aromatic flavor; aim for one stalk.
• Red Wine: Optional but recommended; it deepens flavors beautifully—just be sure to drink some while cooking!
• Spaghetti: Use your favorite type; traditional spaghetti works wonders here.
• Herbs (Basil & Oregano): Fresh herbs elevate the dish, but dried will work in a pinch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make spaghetti bolognese

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about five minutes should do it.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add in the ground beef (or your protein of choice) and cook until browned. Make sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks—no one wants big chunks of meat unless you’re feeling particularly carnivorous!

Step 3: Build Flavor

Pour in your red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced. Then stir in those glorious canned tomatoes along with tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Lower the heat and let your sauce simmer gently for at least thirty minutes—this is where all those delicious flavors mingle together like old friends.

Step 5: Cook Your Pasta

While your sauce is bubbling away, bring another pot of salted water to boil. Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente—you want it firm enough to hold its shape when sauced.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once everything is ready, drain your pasta and toss it directly into the skillet with the bolognese sauce. Mix them together so every strand gets coated in that heavenly goodness! Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Bottom line: this spaghetti bolognese isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with warmth and love—perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends! The next time you find yourself craving comfort on a plate, you know exactly what to whip up!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat in a hot pan to lock in flavor. While that’s sizzling away, chop your veggies and prepare the pasta. Simultaneously, let the sauce simmer to meld those delicious flavors together for a perfect spaghetti bolognese experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. Toss in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or add a splash of red wine for an extra depth of flavor. Personalize it to suit your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. Microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

My friend once told me that this spaghetti bolognese recipe won him over as a lifelong cook. After tasting it at my place, he declared he’d never eat store-bought again!

FAQs:

What is spaghetti bolognese?

Spaghetti bolognese is a classic Italian dish made with spaghetti pasta topped with a rich meat sauce. The sauce typically includes ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various herbs. It’s a hearty meal that’s loved by many around the world. The combination of flavors is comforting and satisfying, making it a popular choice for family dinners or gatherings.

How long does it take to cook spaghetti bolognese?

Cooking spaghetti bolognese usually takes about 30 minutes for the sauce and an additional 10-12 minutes to boil the spaghetti. This means you can serve up a delicious homemade meal in around 40 to 45 minutes. Just remember to let the sauce simmer for the best flavor development.

Can I make spaghetti bolognese vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily create a vegetarian version of spaghetti bolognese by substituting ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives. Use the same flavors and spices to ensure you maintain that rich taste while keeping it meat-free. It’s a great option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption.

What should I serve with spaghetti bolognese?

While spaghetti bolognese stands well on its own, you can enhance your meal by serving it with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A light green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce, while garlic bread complements the dish perfectly. Pairing these items elevates your dining experience.

Looking to expand your recipe collection? Check out these tasty recipes for your next culinary adventure.

Conclusion for spaghetti bolognese:

In summary, spaghetti bolognese is a beloved dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly delightful. With variations available for different dietary preferences, this recipe can easily adapt to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting family meal or at a dinner party, this classic recipe is sure to please any crowd. Don’t hesitate to try making this dish; it’s worth every bite!

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Spaghetti Bolognese

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting classic that combines rich flavors of tomatoes, ground beef, and fresh herbs into a deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

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For the Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or lentils)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned whole or crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti

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Instructions

For the Sauce:

1. 1. Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about five minutes.
2. 2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or your protein choice) and cook until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
3. 3. Build Flavor: Stir in the canned tomatoes and tomato paste along with oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently.
4. 4. Simmer Away: Reduce the heat and let your sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to meld all those delicious flavors together.

For the Pasta:

1. 5. Cook Your Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. 6. Serve It Up: Drain your pasta and toss it directly into the skillet with the bolognese sauce. Mix well so every strand is coated in sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg