Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Spaghetti Bolognese is a dish that weaves together the rich flavors of meat, tomatoes, and herbs, creating an irresistible sauce that clings lovingly to each strand of pasta. This classic meat sauce pasta dinner exudes warmth and comfort, perfect for cozy family gatherings or a laid-back dinner with friends. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filling your kitchen is a welcome invitation, promising that something delicious is on the way.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I prepared this meal—it was a chilly evening, and I craved something hearty and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, my kitchen soon transformed into a cozy Italian trattoria. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; it’s straightforward and budget-friendly while delivering flavor that rivals the best takeout. I can assure you that once you try this Spaghetti Bolognese, you’ll want to make it a staple in your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hearty meal in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of ground beef, spices, and rich tomatoes creates a sauce bursting with flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead; enjoy it anytime!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable with ground turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter take.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A staple for sautéing that adds depth and richness.
- 1 cup (140 g) finely chopped yellow onion: About 1 medium onion, it brings sweetness and aroma to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1 lb (453 g) ground beef (85 or 90%): Provides the meaty base; can substitute with bulk Italian sausage for a kick.
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt: Amplifies all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper: Adds a warm spiciness.
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adjust to taste if you prefer more heat.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances acidity in the sauce.
- ⅓ cup (78 ml) dry red wine: Adds complexity; substitute with broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water: Helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- 28 oz (794 g) canned whole peeled tomatoes: A crucial component for a meaty tomato sauce.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil or 10 torn basil leaves: Infuses the sauce with an aromatic herby flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Complements the basil for a well-rounded herb profile.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness to the sauce.
- 1 dried bay leaf: Enhances flavor while cooking; remember to discard it before serving.
- 8-12 oz (226-340 g) pasta for serving: While spaghetti is classic, feel free to use any pasta you love!
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Heat Oil: Start by heating 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly.
Cook Onions: Once heated, toss in 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
Add Garlic: Stir in 2 tablespoons minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
Brown Beef: Next, add 1 lb ground beef, seasoning with ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper. Cook while breaking it apart until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary for a less oily sauce.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and caramelizes slightly, enriching the flavor.
Deglaze with Wine: Drizzle in ⅓ cup dry red wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the wine reduces by half, leaving behind a deep, rich flavor.
Add Tomatoes and Water: Pour in ¼ cup water and 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes. Crush the tomatoes with your spoon or spatula, breaking them apart as they cook.
Stir in Herbs: Toss in 2 teaspoons dried basil (or torn fresh basil), 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 dried bay leaf. Mix well, ensuring the bay leaf is submerged, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes with an offset lid while stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
Cook Pasta: If you’re serving the sauce with pasta, start cooking 8-12 oz pasta according to package instructions during the sauce’s simmer. You can choose to either serve the meat sauce over the pasta or combine them right before serving. If doing the latter, reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
Combine and Serve: Mix the drained pasta with the meat sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere perfectly to the noodles. Simmer together for just a few minutes before plating. Serve hot, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch!
Storing & Reheating
You can store leftover Spaghetti Bolognese at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longevity, refrigerate it in an airtight container where it will keep for up to 3-5 days. If you’re looking to save some for a later date, transfer it into freezer-safe containers, labeling them with the date. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot, adding a splash of water to refresh any drying sauce.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be sure to avoid browning the garlic too much, as burnt garlic can taste bitter and affect the sauce’s flavor.
- For an extra rich sauce, let it simmer longer—up to an hour—if you have the time.
- Always taste your sauce towards the end; sometimes, a sprinkle of more salt or herbs can brighten the flavors beautifully!
- Have leftover sauce or want to save some for later? Pair it wonderfully with baked potatoes or as a filling for lasagna.
Enjoying a bowl of homemade Spaghetti Bolognese makes you feel like you’ve traveled to Italy without leaving your kitchen. The meals we create hold memories and comfort, bringing us back to moments of joy. I encourage you to experiment with the flavors—perhaps add a splash of cream or a zest of lemon for something different. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic dish!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Spaghetti Bolognese tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply prepare the meat sauce in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving over freshly cooked pasta.
What’s the best pasta to use with this sauce?
While spaghetti is a classic choice, this sauce pairs well with any pasta! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne work wonderfully too. The important factor is that the sauce needs a pasta that can hold the hearty meat sauce.
Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the Bolognese sauce! Once cooled, transfer the sauce into freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date for easy tracking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! For a vegetarian alternative, switch out the ground beef for lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain a robust flavor in your sauce. Enjoy a delicious meatless version that everyone will love!
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📖 Recipe Card
Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Experience the comforting taste of Spaghetti Bolognese, featuring a hearty meat sauce with rich flavors from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 lb ground beef (85 or 90%)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup dry red wine
- ¼ cup water
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 8–12 oz pasta for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, sprinkle salt, cracked pepper, and crushed red pepper over the meat. Cook until the beef is browned, draining excess grease if needed.
- Incorporate tomato paste and sugar, cooking and stirring until the paste caramelizes, about 1-2 minutes.
- Drizzle in red wine, scraping the pan's bottom to release browned bits, and allow to reduce by half (3-5 minutes).
- Add water and canned tomatoes, breaking the tomatoes with a spoon as they cook.
- Mix in basil, parsley, oregano, and bay leaf, then simmer for at least 30 minutes with an offset lid, stirring occasionally.
- When ready to serve, cook pasta according to package instructions while the sauce simmers. You can serve the sauce over the pasta or mix them before serving by reserving some pasta water.
- Serve topped with parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground beef with bulk Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Simmer the sauce longer for enhanced flavor development.
Adjust the crushed red pepper to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
