Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty Italian dish that never fails to satisfy. With its rich, meaty sauce enveloping perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a meal that evokes comfort and warmth. This dish boasts a blend of aromatic garlic, savory beef, and a hint of sweet tomato, creating layers of flavor that dance on the palate. It’s easy to see why this family favorite has become a staple in kitchens around the world.
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I still remember the first time I made spaghetti bolognese for my family. The aroma wafted through the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen, eagerly anticipating dinner. This classic recipe is not only a breeze to whip up, but it also caters to picky eaters while remaining budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting weeknight meal, I promise this rendition will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Perfect for busy nights; you can have this on the table in about 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of red wine and herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red sauce over the pasta looks as amazing as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it at family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free pasta or even vegan using plant-based meat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A staple in cooking, it helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- 1 onion, peeled and finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced: Provides an aromatic backbone to the dish.
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds natural sweetness.
- 3 chestnut mushrooms, finely diced: Introduces an earthy flavor that enhances the meatiness.
- 450 g (1 lb) minced beef (ground beef): The heart of the dish; you can substitute with 400g if that’s what’s available.
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) red wine: Elevates the sauce with complex flavors; feel free to use a dry variety for less sugar.
- 3 tbsp tomato puree: Concentrated flavor that thickens the sauce and deepens the color.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic herb that complements the flavors wonderfully.
- ½ tsp dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthiness that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This adds a delightfully tangy kick.
- 1 beef stock cube, crumbled: Intensifies the meaty flavor in the sauce.
- 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tins finely chopped tomatoes: These form the base of your rich sauce, adding acidity and sweetness.
- ½ tbsp light brown sugar: Balances the tomato acidity nicely.
- ½ tsp salt & pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors.
- 300 g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti or fresh pasta: Choose your favorite; homemade pasta elevates this dish even further.
- Small bunch spring onions (scallions), chopped: Offers a fresh crunch on top.
- Grated parmesan: Because everything is better with cheese!
How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Heat the oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Add the garlic: Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
Mix in the veggies: Now, add the finely diced carrot and mushrooms into the pan. Cook them together for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the mushrooms release their moisture.
Brown the meat: Crumble in 450 g (1 lb) of minced beef into the pan. Cook for around 5-6 minutes, stirring often. Break up any large chunks with a spatula until the meat is browned all over.
Add the wine: Pour in 120 ml (1/2 cup) of red wine; bring it to a boil. Let it bubble away for 2-3 minutes until it reduces by three-quarters, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
Stir in the sauce ingredients: Time to add 3 tablespoons of tomato puree, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and the crumbled beef stock cube. Add the two tins of finely chopped tomatoes, ½ tablespoon of light brown sugar, and season with ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Stir everything well until bubbling, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 300 g (10.5 oz) of dried spaghetti and cook according to package directions for about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Try to reserve a cup of pasta water just in case you want to loosen your sauce!
Combine and serve: Drain the spaghetti and divide it amongst 4 bowls. Spoon the luscious bolognese sauce generously on top. Finish with chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Storing & Reheating
To ensure maximum freshness, store any leftover spaghetti bolognese at room temperature for about 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed, to restore the sauce’s luscious consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the reduction: Reducing the wine intensifies the sauce flavor.
- Watch for browning: Ensure the ground beef is well-browned for that rich, savory taste.
- Enhancing flavor: A bit of freshly cracked black pepper at the end adds a lovely kick.
- Make-ahead option: This sauce tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time!
- Pasta cooking tip: Don’t forget to save a little pasta water to adjust your sauce consistency if needed.
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is not just a plate of food; it’s an invitation to gather with family and friends. The wonderful aroma wafting through your home, the warm engagement around the dinner table, and the unforgettable flavors make this dish not only a meal but a cherished memory. I encourage you to experiment with it — maybe add your favorite spices or try it with different types of pasta. The beauty of cooking lies in discovering what feels right for you. Enjoy this comforting, satisfying meal, and watch it become a staple on your dining table!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve when made a day in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.
What type of meat can I use?
While minced beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh tomatoes is an excellent option! Be sure to peel them and chop them finely. You’ll need about 10-12 medium-sized tomatoes, and you may want to cook them down a bit longer to achieve a thicker sauce.
What can I serve with Spaghetti Bolognese?
While breadsticks or garlic bread are popular companions, a crisp green salad brings freshness and balances the richness of the dish, providing a delightful contrast.
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📖 Recipe Card
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Treat your taste buds with this Classic Spaghetti Bolognese, featuring savory minced beef, rich tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick family dinner or comforting meal 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 (ground 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 the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring often.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the diced carrot and mushrooms, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced beef, cooking for 5-6 minutes until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spatula.
- Pour in the red wine and bring to a boil, letting it bubble for 2-3 minutes until reduced by three-quarters.
- Add the tomato puree, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled beef stock cube, chopped tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Meanwhile, boil a large pan of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and serve in bowls, topped with the Bolognese sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and grated parmesan before serving.
Notes
Feel free to use 400 g of minced beef if that’s what you can find.
For a vegetarian option, substitute minced beef with lentils or a meat alternative.
The Bolognese sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
