Ah, Spaghetti Bolognese—a dish that instantly brings to mind the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal, filled with love and laughter around the dinner table. This classic Italian favorite has always been my go-to when I want to whip up something hearty and satisfying for family and friends. But today, I’m sharing my special twist that elevates the traditional recipe with a touch of surprise – a dash of nutmeg and a hint of balsamic vinegar. These secret ingredients add a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Dish
Spaghetti Bolognese is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to please, and here’s why this particular recipe holds a special place in my heart:
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Hearty and Filling: This dish is perfect for those who crave something substantial and satisfying. The richness of the beef paired with the heartiness of spaghetti ensures that everyone leaves the table with a full stomach and a warm heart. The sauce’s thickness, achieved through slow simmering, envelops the pasta in a comforting embrace, making each mouthful a delight.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the rich, savory flavors. The mild sweetness from the carrots and the aromatic blend of herbs make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. It’s a dish that encourages everyone to gather around, share stories, and create lasting memories.
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Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to cooking, the step-by-step instructions make it simple to follow. This dish requires no special culinary skills, just some enthusiasm and love for good food. The methodical process transforms basic ingredients into a masterpiece, offering a sense of achievement with every bite.
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Budget-Friendly: Made with accessible ingredients, it’s a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. By using pantry staples and affordable ground beef, you can create a luxurious meal that feels special. The cost-effectiveness doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions.
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Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables or switch out the beef for turkey or a plant-based option, this recipe adapts beautifully. It allows you to express creativity while catering to dietary needs, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious meal.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 500g ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 400g spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. This initial step is crucial as it forms the aromatic base of your sauce. Be patient and allow the onions to become translucent for maximum flavor. The gentle sautéing ensures that the natural sweetness of the onion is coaxed out, harmonizing with the pungent garlic.
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Add the carrot and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften. These vegetables add a wonderful sweetness and depth to the sauce, providing a counterbalance to the acidity of the tomatoes. The mirepoix serves as the flavor foundation, releasing aromatic oils that permeate the sauce.
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Increase the heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over. Browning the meat properly is key to developing a rich, complex flavor, so take your time and ensure the beef is nicely caramelized. This Maillard reaction is what gives the meat its savory, umami character.
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Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer. The tomato paste intensifies the sauce, while the beef broth adds a savory depth. The combination of these ingredients creates a robust, flavorful base that defines the dish.
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Add balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The long simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a sauce that’s rich and full-bodied. The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and tang, while the nutmeg imparts warmth and complexity.
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Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Cooking the pasta al dente is important as it will absorb some of the sauce, making every bite deliciously flavorful. The al dente texture offers a pleasant bite, standing up well to the hearty sauce.
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Serve the Bolognese sauce over the spaghetti, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a salty, creamy finish that perfectly complements the robust sauce. The umami-rich Parmesan enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a satisfying contrast to the sweet and tangy notes in the sauce.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Skillet: Essential for browning the meat and simmering the sauce. The wide surface area ensures even cooking, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken beautifully.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the ground beef. Its gentle touch prevents scratching the skillet, maintaining its integrity.
- Medium Saucepan: For boiling the spaghetti. A sturdy saucepan ensures even heat distribution, cooking the pasta to perfection.
- Colander: To drain the pasta efficiently. A good colander prevents the pasta from becoming waterlogged, preserving its texture.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the vegetables with ease. Sharp tools make prep work quick and safe, ensuring uniformity in vegetable size for even cooking.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in this Spaghetti Bolognese plays a vital role, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures:
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Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables perfectly. It’s a healthier fat option that also contributes a subtle fruity flavor, enhancing the dish’s overall profile.
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Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base of the sauce. They provide a savory depth that’s essential in Italian cooking, creating a foundation that supports the other flavors.
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Carrot and Celery: Provide subtle sweetness and depth, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. These vegetables also add nutrients, making the dish healthier, contributing fiber, vitamins, and a touch of natural sweetness.
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Ground Beef: Offers a hearty texture and richness to the dish. It’s the backbone of the sauce, providing protein and flavor. The marbling in the beef contributes to the sauce’s luxurious mouthfeel.
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Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: Essential for that classic tomato flavor. They create a thick, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, combining acidity and sweetness in perfect harmony.
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Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory profile. It helps to create a sauce that’s both rich and complex, deepening the flavor with every simmering minute.
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Balsamic Vinegar: A secret ingredient that adds a sweet and tangy complexity. It elevates the flavor profile, making it more sophisticated, cutting through the richness of the meat.
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Nutmeg: Provides a unique warmth that complements the meat. Just a touch of this spice can transform the sauce, adding an unexpected layer of flavor, enhancing the overall umami experience.
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Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil infuse the sauce with Italian flair. They bring a fragrant, herbaceous note that’s quintessential to the dish, enhancing its authenticity and aromatic appeal.
What to Serve With This Pasta Dish
Pair this Spaghetti Bolognese with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness of the sauce, while the garlic bread offers a satisfying crunch. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, can also beautifully complement the flavors, enhancing the dining experience with its robust notes. The wine’s acidity and tannins balance the richness of the beef, creating a harmonious palate experience.
Storage & Leftover Tips
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, melding together to create an even more robust profile.
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Freeze: The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. This is a great option for meal prep or for those nights when you need a quick dinner solution. Freezing in portions allows for convenient reheating.
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Reheat: Gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This will help maintain the sauce’s texture and prevent it from becoming too thick. Stirring occasionally ensures even heating and preserves the sauce’s integrity.
In conclusion, this Classic Spaghetti Bolognese with a Twist is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to gather around and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and great company. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a cozy evening with friends, this dish promises to deliver comfort and joy. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a beloved part of your family’s dining tradition. Happy cooking!
My Big Fat Greek Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Using a channel knife, peel off a few strips of cucumber skin to create a striped pattern. Cut the cucumbers in half crosswise, then quarter each half before slicing into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a colander, toss with kosher salt, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes. Rinse the cucumbers and drain thoroughly for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Thinly slice the onion, cut the bell pepper into strips, and then dice the strips into diamond-shaped pieces. Slice the Kalamata and green olives.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, olives, and 2 tablespoons of oregano. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Add the vinegar and toss well. Drizzle in the olive oil, add most of the feta cheese, and toss again. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Give the salad a final mix, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese on top and garnish with the remaining oregano before serving.