Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese

Name: Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground beef; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 cup beef stock; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup red wine (optional); 1 lb spaghetti; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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This Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty and comforting classic, perfect for cozy family dinners. With rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a dish that brings people together around the table.

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Ingredients for Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese

Olive oil is used as the base for sautéing, adding subtle richness. Onion and garlic provide aromatic foundations, enhancing the sauce's depth. Ground beef brings hearty, savory flavors, while carrot and celery add sweetness and texture. Dried oregano and basil add that classic Italian touch. A pinch of salt and black pepper balances the flavors. Tomato paste intensifies the sauce, and beef stock enriches it further. Crushed tomatoes are the base, creating a luscious consistency. Red wine (optional) adds depth and sophistication. Finally, spaghetti serves as the perfect canvas for this flavorful sauce, with Parmesan cheese providing a savory finish.

Tips & Tricks

Let the sauce simmer longer for even more flavor depth.
Use a high-quality Parmesan for the best finish.
Add a splash of milk for creamier texture if desired.
Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy future meals.

Serving Suggestions

This Spaghetti Bolognese pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. For a more indulgent meal, serve with garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce. A glass of red wine complements the dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey instead of beef?: Yes, turkey can be used for a leaner option, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is there a substitute for red wine?: You can substitute beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
How can I make it vegetarian?: Swap the beef for lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.

Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until they soften and become fragrant, setting the stage for our bolognese.

Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial as browning the meat adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.

Now, stir in the diced carrot and celery. Let them cook with the meat for about five minutes. They’ll soften and release their sweetness, balancing the richness of the beef.

Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil, along with the salt and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the herbs and spices, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add the tomato paste, stirring it into the beef and vegetables. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to caramelize slightly, which intensifies its flavor.

Pour in the beef stock and crushed tomatoes, and if you’re using it, the red wine. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld.

About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.

Serve the rich, meaty sauce over the spaghetti and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich, deep flavors develop from a slow simmer.
Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
Perfect for batch cooking and freezing.
Authentic taste with a hint of red wine.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp dried basil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup tomato paste

1 cup beef stock

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup red wine (optional)

1 lb spaghetti

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.

2. Add ground beef to the pan, cook until browned.

3. Stir in carrot and celery, cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, mixing well.

5. Stir in tomato paste, cook for 2 minutes.

6. Pour in beef stock, crushed tomatoes, and red wine, bring to a simmer.

7. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.