There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of spaghetti Bolognese. It’s a dish that’s been a family favorite in my home for as long as I can remember. I still recall coming home from school to the rich, inviting aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic, knowing that dinner was going to be something special. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, sharing stories and laughter over heaping plates of pasta. Today, I’m excited to share my tried-and-true recipe, one that’s been lovingly tweaked over the years to become our ultimate family dinner staple.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Dish
Spaghetti Bolognese is not only a classic but a universal crowd-pleaser, and there are several reasons why this dish stands out:
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to find. No need for fancy or hard-to-get items; everything you need is likely already in your kitchen or available at your local grocery store.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the savory, hearty flavors. The combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato sauce ensures that even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors meld overnight, allowing for a deeper and more robust taste when reheated.
- Customizable: Easily adjustable to suit vegetarian diets or spice preferences. You can swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives or add a kick with a pinch of chili flakes.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Nothing beats the warmth of a classic pasta dish on a cozy evening. Whether it’s a chilly winter night or a casual summer dinner, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
The Recipe
Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the components that make this dish so delightful. The beauty of spaghetti Bolognese lies in the harmonious blend of flavors from each ingredient:
- Spaghetti: 400g – The pasta acts as the perfect vessel to carry the sauce, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
- Ground beef: 500g – Provides a rich, meaty flavor that forms the backbone of the dish. For a leaner option, consider using ground turkey or chicken.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced – An essential ingredient that infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- Carrot: 1, grated – Offers a subtle sweetness and additional nutrition.
- Celery stalks: 2, chopped – Contributes a mellow, earthy flavor that complements the other vegetables.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons – Intensifies the tomato flavor, adding a rich, umami component.
- Canned tomatoes: 800g – The base of the sauce, providing a robust tomato flavor.
- Red wine: 1/2 cup (optional) – Adds complexity and depth, enhancing the overall taste profile. If avoiding alcohol, substitute with more beef stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Beef stock: 1 cup – Lends a savory richness to the sauce, tying all the flavors together.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons – Used to sauté the vegetables, adding a fruity note.
- Bay leaf: 1 – Infuses the sauce with a subtle herbal aroma.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon – Provides a classic Italian flavor that pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper: to taste – Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: for serving – A salty, nutty topping that adds a burst of flavor.
- Fresh basil: for garnish – Adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of creating this delicious meal:
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. This will make the cooking process smoother. Having everything ready ensures you can focus on creating layers of flavor without pausing to chop.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta water should be as salty as the sea, which helps to season the spaghetti itself.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of the sauce.
- Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat well adds a layer of caramelized flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. This step helps eliminate the raw tomato taste. Add canned tomatoes, red wine (if using), beef stock, bay leaf, and oregano. Stir to combine. The sauce should be a beautiful, deep red.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavor will be. If time allows, let it go for an hour or more to develop a deeper taste.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the sauce over the spaghetti, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and basil. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil over the top before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools on hand. They not only make the process more efficient but also ensure the best results:
- Large pot for boiling pasta: Essential for cooking the spaghetti evenly and preventing sticking.
- Large skillet or saucepan: A deep skillet or saucepan will allow the sauce to simmer and reduce without spilling over.
- Wooden spoon for stirring: Ideal for breaking up the meat and stirring the sauce without scratching your cookware.
- Sharp knife for chopping: A good quality knife makes chopping vegetables quicker and more precise.
- Cheese grater for Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a much stronger flavor than pre-grated varieties.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding the role of each ingredient not only enhances your appreciation of the dish but also allows you to make informed adjustments if needed:
- Spaghetti: Provides the classic base that soaks up the rich sauce. It’s important to cook it al dente so it can absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Ground beef: Offers a hearty, protein-rich element. The fat content can be adjusted based on preference; more fat equals more flavor.
- Onion and garlic: Essential for building a flavorful base. They add depth and complexity that form the backbone of the sauce.
- Carrot and celery: Add natural sweetness and depth. These vegetables are traditional in Italian soffritto, which is the foundation for many Italian dishes.
- Tomato paste and canned tomatoes: Create a rich, robust sauce. The quality of tomatoes can significantly impact the sauce, so choose a good brand.
- Beef stock and red wine: Enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity. They add layers of flavor that elevate the dish from simple to extraordinary.
- Herbs and spices: Bay leaf and oregano bring aromatic flavors. They infuse the sauce with a subtle herbal quality that rounds out the taste.
What to Serve With This Pasta Dish
Pairing your spaghetti Bolognese with complementary sides elevates the meal to a full dining experience:
- Crisp green salad: A fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta and cleanses the palate.
- Crusty garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the last bits of sauce, garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch.
- Roasted vegetables: Adding a side of seasonal roasted veggies introduces different textures and flavors to the meal.
- Chianti or iced tea: A glass of Chianti, with its fruity notes, pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce. Alternatively, a refreshing iced tea works well, especially on warmer days.
Storage & Leftover Tips
One of the best things about this dish is how well it keeps, allowing you to enjoy it even after the initial meal:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. It’s a great option for quick weeknight dinners.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
In conclusion, this classic spaghetti Bolognese with rich tomato sauce is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of warmth and togetherness. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a quiet dinner at home, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
For more comforting pasta recipes, check out our Creamy Chicken Alfredo and Vegan Pesto Pasta on {BLOG_DOMAIN}. For tips on perfect pasta cooking, visit Serious Eats.
Air Fryer Crosne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cleaned crosne with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Place the crosne in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.