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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese
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A classic and comforting Italian Spaghetti Bolognese recipe featuring a rich and savory meat sauce simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs, served over tender spaghetti. Perfect for family dinners, easy to make with pantry staples, and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 500g minced beef or mixed meat
  • Alternative: lean ground turkey or chicken (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • Optional extra veggies: zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach (to taste)

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 400g canned tomatoes or tomato passata
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chili flakes or hot sauce (optional, for spicy twist)

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 400g spaghetti
  • Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Gently sauté the finely chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant, forming the flavor backbone of your Bolognese sauce.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the minced beef or alternative meat to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small pieces until evenly browned for a rich, textured sauce.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in canned tomatoes or passata. Sprinkle in the dried herbs, salt, and pepper. If using, add a splash of red wine. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
  4. Simmer Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to intensify flavors and thicken the sauce.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  6. Combine and Serve: Mix the cooked spaghetti with the rich Bolognese sauce. Add reserved pasta water if necessary to coat every strand beautifully. Serve hot with optional garnishes like grated cheese and fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients such as garlic, herbs, and vegetables for the best flavor.
  • Don’t rush the simmering process; longer simmering improves depth and richness.
  • Break up meat well while browning for fine sauce texture.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen and bind the sauce perfectly to the spaghetti.
  • Season gradually by tasting and adjusting salt and pepper to avoid overseasoning.

Nutrition

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

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