Classic Spaghetti Bolognese: A Hearty Italian Comfort Dish

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The Ultimate Homemade Bolognese Experience

Spaghetti Bolognese is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary journey that brings the rich flavors of traditional Italian cooking right to your dining table. This classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying pasta dish that will delight family and friends alike.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 500g spaghetti
  • Salt for pasta water

For the Bolognese Sauce

  • 500g ground beef
  • 60g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 40g carrots, finely diced
  • 40g celery, finely diced
  • 20g olive oil
  • 400g canned peeled tomatoes
  • 25g tomato paste
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 tbsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 40g butter

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant.
  3. Brown the Meat Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up and cooking until it’s evenly browned. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Build the Sauce Add peeled tomatoes, crushing them slightly with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, ground cloves, and thymian. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 30-40 minutes.
  5. Cook the Pasta While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta.
  6. Finish the Dish Stir butter into the Bolognese sauce to add richness and smoothness. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories per serving: Approximately 580
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  • Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor
  • Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to develop deep, rich flavors
  • Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking
  • For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before adding
  • Use fresh thyme if possible for a more aromatic result

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Use ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for variation
  • Replace beef with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version
  • Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option
  • Substitute fresh herbs if thyme is unavailable

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this sauce in advance? Yes, the Bolognese sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Q2: How can I make the sauce more or less spicy? Adjust the amount of black pepper or add red pepper flakes to increase heat.

Q3: Can I freeze Spaghetti Bolognese? The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Store pasta and sauce separately.

Q4: What’s the best way to reheat the sauce? Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed to prevent drying.

Q5: Can I use different types of pasta? Absolutely! Tagliatelle or pappardelle work wonderfully with Bolognese sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers
  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days
  • Freeze sauce for up to 3 months
  • Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed

Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Bolognese – a true taste of Italian comfort!