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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese
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Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian comfort food featuring a rich, savory meat sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This family-friendly dish combines simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With options to customize for dietary preferences, it’s a go-to recipe that satisfies all ages and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 500g Ground Beef or mixed meat

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk Celery, finely chopped

Pantry Staples

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 400g Canned Tomatoes (crushed or diced)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 125ml Red Wine
  • 1 tsp Italian Herbs (oregano, basil)

Pasta and Garnish

  • 400g Spaghetti pasta
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, to garnish
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to create a classic soffritto base. This blend is essential for layering flavor and giving the sauce its rich texture.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or mixed meats to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned thoroughly with no pink remaining, sealing in the savory flavors.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: If using, pour in the red wine and let it reduce slightly. Stir in the canned tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop richer flavors.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed.
  6. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the thickened Bolognese sauce. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Allow your sauce to cook gently for at least 30 minutes to enhance the depth of flavor.
  • Don’t skip the soffritto—finely chopped veggies build the foundation of your sauce’s body and sweetness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior taste over pre-grated packets.
  • Save a little pasta water to loosen and bind the sauce to the noodles perfectly.
  • Season gradually—taste and adjust salt and herbs throughout cooking for the best flavor balance.

Nutrition

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

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