Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese has earned its rightful place as a family favorite across the globe. This Italian dish boasts a rich, hearty sauce perfectly balanced with ground beef and decorated with fragrant herbs. With each slurp of tender spaghetti drenched in the savory goodness of homemade Bolognese, you’ll likely find it hard to resist going back for a second helping. It’s comfort food at its finest, filling both the stomach and the soul with warmth.
Table of Contents
Nothing beats the smell of this dish simmering on the stove, transporting you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen. When I first discovered this recipe, I knew I’d struck gold. The ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress anyone around your dinner table. This Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and yet offers such depth of flavor that even a chef would be proud to serve it. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: Deeply savory with a hint of sweetness, you’ll taste the love in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A vibrant dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions with family and friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A healthy fat for sautéing that adds depth to the overall flavor. You could substitute with avocado oil if desired.
- 1 onion, peeled and finely diced: It adds a wonderful sweetness and base flavor to the sauce. A yellow onion works best for this dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant aroma; however, you can use garlic powder in a pinch (1/2 teaspoon).
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced: A touch of natural sweetness, helping balance out the acidity from the tomatoes.
- 3 chestnut mushrooms, finely diced: Earthy and savory, they add bulk to the sauce. Button mushrooms can be used as a substitute.
- 450 g (1 lb) minced beef (ground beef): The star protein of this dish, providing richness. If you can only find 400g packs, that works just as well!
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) red wine: Adds a layer of flavor that enhances the sauce. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, use beef broth instead.
- 3 tablespoons tomato puree: Concentrated flavor; consider using double-concentrated for a more robust taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that brings an Italian flair; fresh oregano can be substituted, using three times the amount.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the other herbs beautifully; if fresh thyme is on hand, it’s an excellent alternative.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient that adds a subtle umami flavor.
- 1 beef stock cube, crumbled: Enhances the meaty flavor of the sauce; vegetable stock cubes are a fine substitute if desired.
- 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tins finely chopped tomatoes: Essential for making the sauce rich and hearty. Crushed tomatoes work too.
- 1/2 tablespoon light brown sugar: Balances out the acidity from the tomatoes; honey or maple syrup could be used as a substitute.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor, but adjust to your taste preferences.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best for maximum flavor.
- 300 g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti or fresh pasta: The traditional pasta choice; feel free to swap with gluten-free options.
- Small bunch spring onions (scallions), chopped: They provide a fresh, crisp finish as a garnish.
- Grated parmesan: A finishing touch of nutty flavor; if you prefer, Pecorino Romano is a delightful alternative.
How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Heat Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the finely diced onion, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until it’s softened and translucent.
Add Garlic: Introduce 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Layer in Veggies: Toss in 1 finely diced carrot and 3 finely chopped chestnut mushrooms. Allow them to cook together for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps enhance the flavor and texture of the sauce.
Brown the Meat: When the vegetables are softened, add 450 g (or 400 g if preferred) of minced beef. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Ensure there are no pink bits remaining—watch for that beautiful color.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in 120 ml (1/2 cup) of red wine, bringing it to a boil. Let it bubble for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the liquid to reduce by three-quarters.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato puree, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 crumbled beef stock cube, and 2 tins (800 g) of finely chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle in 1/2 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil once more, then lower the heat to a simmer for about 15-20 minutes, letting it thicken beautifully.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, in a large pot, boil salted water. Once rolling, add 300 g (10.5 oz) of dried spaghetti and cook according to package instructions for about 10-12 minutes until al dente.
Drain and Serve: Drain the spaghetti when cooked, dividing it among four bowls. Spoon the rich Bolognese sauce generously on top of the pasta.
Garnish: Finish by sprinkling chopped spring onions and a generous amount of grated parmesan over each bowl before serving. This pop of color and flavor elevates the dish to a whole new level!
Storing & Reheating
After enjoying this delightful meal, you can store leftovers at room temperature for up to two hours. Ideally, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the Bolognese sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Reheat in a saucepan on medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally, and if you notice the sauce has thickened too much, just add a splash of water or broth to refresh its consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid burning garlic by cooking it later in the sauté process when the onions are already softened.
- Room temperature ingredients tend to blend better, especially when preparing the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce longer if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated flavor.
- Taste as you go; seasoning adjustments can really elevate the dish.
- Make-ahead friendly: prepare the sauce in advance and reheat for a quick weeknight dinner!
You’ll appreciate how this delicious Classic Spaghetti Bolognese can become your go-to for cozy nights in or for impressing guests. The balance of flavors, the comforting association with family dinners, and the overall aroma of simmering herbs make it an experience you’ll love.
So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every comforting bite of this lovely dish!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Bolognese sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then simply reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a lighter option, try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding zucchini or celery, contributing extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of pasta works best with Bolognese?
Though spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can use any pasta type you enjoy, such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even gluten-free varieties. The sauce adheres beautifully to all shapes!
How do I prevent my spaghetti from sticking together?
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks in boiling salted water. Additionally, a drizzle of olive oil after draining can help keep the strands separated, but ensure it’s lightly coated to keep from overwhelming the sauce.
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📖 Recipe Card
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a family favorite featuring a rich and savory sauce made from minced beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for a quick dinner and a comforting meal that’s also healthy and homemade.
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 the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Incorporate the carrot and mushrooms, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced beef, cooking for 5-6 minutes until browned, breaking up large chunks with a spatula.
- Pour in the wine, bringing it to a boil and allowing it to bubble for 2-3 minutes until reduced by three-quarters.
- Stir in the tomato puree, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock cube, tinned tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. 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 distribute it into 4 bowls.
- Top each bowl of spaghetti with the bolognese sauce, then sprinkle with spring onions and grated parmesan.
Notes
Feel free to use either dried or fresh pasta for this dish.
You can substitute minced beef with turkey or a vegetarian alternative for a healthier version.
If you prefer, use more vegetables such as bell pepper or zucchini for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
