Ah, spaghetti Bolognese! Just hearing the name fills me with a sense of comfort and nostalgia. I remember my grandmother preparing this dish on chilly Sunday afternoons, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs wafting through the house. It was the kind of meal that brought everyone together, a centerpiece of laughter and stories around the dinner table. Today, I’m thrilled to share my version of this classic recipe with you, complete with fresh herbs that bring a delightful twist to a timeless favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Dish
Spaghetti Bolognese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why this dish will win a special place in your heart and kitchen:
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Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for the whole family, with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults. The richness of the sauce combined with the simplicity of spaghetti makes it a universal favorite. Kids love twirling spaghetti around their forks, and the robust flavors are also sophisticated enough for adult palates. Spaghetti Bolognese is often one of the first dishes that children learn to cook, making it a wonderful way to introduce them to the joys of cooking.
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Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a delicious meal. The process of making Bolognese sauce is quite forgiving, allowing you to adjust seasonings to your taste as you go. The key is to give the sauce time to develop its flavors, so patience is your best friend in this kitchen journey.
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Comfort Food at Its Best: Rich and hearty, this dish is ideal for cozy dinners and gatherings. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something substantial. There’s something incredibly soothing about a big bowl of spaghetti Bolognese, especially when paired with a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread.
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Versatile: You can easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences, like swapping beef for turkey or making it vegetarian. Consider adding lentils or mushrooms to the sauce for a meat-free version that’s equally hearty. If you’re seeking to cut down on carbs, serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes great leftovers, perfect for lunch the next day. The sauce’s flavors continue to develop overnight, making it even more delicious. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and save some for later. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 500g ground beef
- 2 cans (400g each) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 400g spaghetti
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Instructions
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated carrot, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The key here is to gently sweat the vegetables, allowing their natural sweetness to develop without browning them too much. This step is crucial as it forms the flavor foundation of your sauce.
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Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 8 minutes. Make sure the beef is well-browned as this adds depth to the sauce. If using a leaner meat like turkey, you might need to add a bit more olive oil to prevent sticking. Browning the meat properly is essential for building that rich, hearty flavor we all love in a good Bolognese.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you have time, let it simmer even longer for an even richer taste. You can even prepare the sauce a day ahead, as the flavors intensify with time.
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Cook the Spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If you like your pasta al dente, check it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. Remember to save a cup of pasta water before draining, as it can be useful to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
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Combine and Serve: Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. The fresh basil adds a wonderful aromatic finish, while the Parmesan contributes a savory, umami punch. For a little kick, you might sprinkle a touch of red pepper flakes over the dish.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools can make a big difference in how enjoyable and efficient the cooking process can be. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Saucepan: Essential for simmering the sauce, allowing even cooking. A heavy-bottomed pan is ideal to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce and breaking up meat without scratching your pan. It’s a versatile tool that every kitchen should have.
- Pasta Pot: A large pot that allows pasta to cook evenly without sticking together. A pot with a built-in strainer can make draining even easier.
- Colander: For draining spaghetti efficiently. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all your pasta without spilling.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables. A non-slip board is safest and most efficient.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and easy. Keeping your knives sharp not only makes cooking quicker but also safer.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the dish’s flavor profile and nutritional value:
- Olive Oil: Adds a healthy fat that enhances flavor and helps sauté the vegetables. Its subtle fruitiness complements the aromatic vegetables and meat. It’s also rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, making it a heart-healthy choice.
- Onion and Garlic: Provide a flavorful base and aromatic depth. Together, they form the essential aromatic foundation of many Italian dishes. Garlic, in particular, is known for its health benefits, including boosting immunity.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and nutrients. Its presence balances the acidity of tomatoes and contributes a subtle layer of flavor. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vitamins for those picky eaters.
- Ground Beef: Offers protein and richness to the sauce. For a lighter option, try ground turkey. If using turkey, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami. Beef is also a good source of iron and B vitamins.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Form the hearty, tangy backbone of the sauce. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and adds body to the sauce. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits.
- Herbs: Oregano and basil elevate the flavors with fresh, earthy notes. Fresh herbs can be used if preferred, offering a brighter, more vibrant flavor. They also bring additional health benefits, as they are rich in antioxidants.
- Spaghetti: The perfect vessel to soak up and pair with the rich sauce. Its thin strands ensure maximum sauce coverage in every bite. For a gluten-free option, you can use rice or corn pasta.
What to Serve With This Pasta Dish
Pair this classic spaghetti Bolognese with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. The acidity of the vinaigrette complements the richness of the Bolognese. For a bit of indulgence, add garlic bread on the side. Its buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, beautifully complements the dish, bringing out the flavors of the beef and tomatoes.
Consider serving some roasted vegetables for an additional side. Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt can add a lovely, healthy complement to your meal. If you’re entertaining, a platter of antipasto—featuring olives, cured meats, and cheeses—can set the stage for your Italian feast.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Store any leftover spaghetti Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day! For those who love meal prep, this dish freezes well. Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor.
If you’re planning to freeze the sauce, consider doing so in single-serving portions. This allows you to defrost exactly what you need, reducing waste. For reheating, the stove is preferable to the microwave as it helps maintain the sauce’s quality and allows you to adjust the consistency with pasta water or broth if needed.
I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your family’s meal rotation, just as it has for mine. Enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this dish with loved ones, creating new memories around the table. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Clams
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the clams under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Discard any that are open and do not close when tapped.
- In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Stuff each clam with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it down gently to adhere.
- Place the stuffed clams in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the clams are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer, let cool slightly, and serve with lemon wedges.