Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a cozy dish that fills your home with a warm, savory aroma, promising a delightful dinner for everyone at your table. This Italian classic is known for its rich, hearty sauce, crafted from fragrant onions, minced beef, and a medley of spices, all served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s the kind of meal that effortlessly brings the family together, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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I first discovered my love for spaghetti bolognese in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the clatter of pots and pans created a melody of warmth and happiness. It’s a true family favorite—easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. You can make it in less than an hour and customize the flavors to suit your taste. The best part? This recipe is more budget-friendly than any takeout option, proving that you can create something just as mouthwatering and satisfying right in your own kitchen. So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and savor a bowl of comfort? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Irresistible Flavor: A rich medley of beef, tomatoes, and spices that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A vibrant plate of spaghetti topped with a hearty sauce looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or a romantic date night.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for different diets, just swap in ground turkey or lentils for a healthier twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness.
- 1 onion, peeled and finely diced: A base for the sauce, bringing sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced: Essential for that aromatic punch; fresh garlic is best!
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- 3 chestnut mushrooms, finely diced: A great earthy flavor addition; feel free to use button mushrooms if you prefer.
- 450 g (1 lb) minced beef (ground beef): The heart of the dish; use lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) red wine: Enhances the sauce depth; go for a dry red for best results.
- 3 tbsp tomato puree: For a rich tomato flavor; don’t substitute with ketchup.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings that classic Italian taste to the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Complements the other herbs beautifully.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami kick.
- 1 beef stock cube, crumbled: Layering in even more flavor; vegetable stock works if you prefer.
- 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tins finely chopped tomatoes: The sauce’s main component, packed with natural sweetness.
- 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: For a hint of spice that rounds out the dish.
- 300 g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti or fresh pasta: The perfect vessel for our rich Bolognese sauce.
- small bunch spring onions (scallions), chopped: For a fresh garnish.
- grated parmesan: A final sprinkle for creamy, nutty goodness.
How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Heat the oil: Start by drizzling 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Let it warm up until it shimmers.
Sauté the onion: Toss in 1 finely diced onion, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until it softens and becomes translucent.
Add garlic: Stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic and let them cook for an additional minute, filling your kitchen with their aromatic fragrance.
Incorporate carrot and mushrooms: Add 1 finely diced carrot and 3 diced chestnut mushrooms. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Brown the meat: Now it’s time to add 450 g of minced beef to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up any large chunks, until the meat is nicely browned all over.
Introduce the wine: Pour in 120 ml of red wine. Bring this to a boil and let it bubble away for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce significantly, which intensifies the flavor.
Stir in remaining ingredients: Add 3 tablespoons of tomato puree, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and the crumbled beef stock cube to the pan. Next, add 2 tins of finely chopped tomatoes and sprinkle in 1/2 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix it all together, bringing it to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up beautifully.
Cook the spaghetti: While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in 300 g of dried spaghetti (or your choice of fresh pasta) and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
Combine and serve: Drain the spaghetti and divide it among four bowls. Generously spoon the bolognese sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions and grated parmesan for that extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce alone in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce’s consistency. The flavors will meld beautifully after a night in the fridge!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the minced beef; browning it brings out the flavor without making it tough.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste if you have them on hand; you can substitute fresh oregano or thyme in the same quantity.
- Experiment with cooking times for the pasta; each kind has its own ideal doneness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—sometimes a dash more salt or a pinch of chili flakes can elevate the flavor!
- This dish makes a fantastic freezer meal; just cool completely before freezing.
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is not just another meal; it’s a warm embrace on a plate. This recipe promises easy preparation, robust flavors, and, most importantly, the joy of sharing a home-cooked dinner with your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with added herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to gather the family around for a heartfelt feast!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Simply reheat the sauce while you cook the pasta for a quick meal.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or even lentils can work wonderfully. Both options can give a unique twist to the traditional bolognese while maintaining a great texture.
How do I know when the spaghetti is done?
Check the pasta package for cooking times, but generally, spaghetti is ready when it’s tender yet still firm to the bite, often referred to as “al dente.” Taste a strand to be sure!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Certainly! If you have access to ripe tomatoes, you can chop and use them instead of canned. Just keep in mind to add a pinch of sugar if they aren’t quite sweet enough.
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📖 Recipe Card
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a family favorite, thanks to its delightful flavors and simple preparation. Featuring minced beef and rich tomatoes, it serves as a comforting meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion peeled and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 carrot peeled and finely diced
- 3 chestnut mushrooms finely diced
- 450 g (1 lb) minced beef
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) red wine
- 3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 beef stock cube crumbled
- 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tins finely chopped tomatoes
- ½ tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 300 g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti or fresh pasta
- small bunch spring onions (scallions) chopped
- grated parmesan
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the diced onion for 5 minutes, stirring until softened.
- Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced carrot and mushrooms; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced beef, cooking for 5-6 minutes until browned, breaking up large chunks.
- Pour in red wine, bring to boil, and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in tomato puree, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock cube, tinned tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- While sauce simmers, boil salted water in a large pan and cook spaghetti for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
- Drain spaghetti and serve into bowls, topped with bolognese sauce.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and grated parmesan.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the minced beef quantity if you prefer a smaller pack.
Adding a pinch of chili flakes can give it a slight kick if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
