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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese
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Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian comfort food combining a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This family-friendly recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a flavorful, hearty meal ready in under an hour, perfect for cozy dinners at home. Customizable with variations for dietary needs and tastes, it promises irresistible flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 500g ground beef or pork

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 400g canned tomatoes (crushed or whole, then chopped)

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Toppings

  • 400g spaghetti pasta
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery so they cook evenly and break down nicely into the sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat, then add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, developing a sweet and savory base.
  3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or pork to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, allowing the meat to caramelize for deeper flavor.
  4. Add Wine and Tomatoes: Pour in red wine (if using) and let it simmer until most liquid evaporates. Then stir in canned tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and allow the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop rich, melded flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water for later.
  7. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and aroma.
  • Cook low and slow: Simmer the sauce slowly to deepen and mature flavors.
  • Don’t skip the browning: Properly browning the meat adds essential caramelized flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water: A splash of starchy water helps sauce cling better to pasta.
  • Adjust thickness: Add broth or water if sauce is too thick; simmer longer if too thin.
  • Make it ahead: Sauce tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, Italian, comfort food, meat sauce, pasta, family meal, easy dinner, classic recipe

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