Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless Italian dish that embodies a warm, hearty family meal. With its rich, savory sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a comforting dish that can turn any dinner into a special occasion. The combination of minced beef, vegetables, and herbs creates a flavor profile that’s not only savory but incredibly soul-satisfying. It’s the sort of dish that feels as if it’s been simmering all day, letting those beautiful flavors meld together just for you.
Table of Contents
I first made this dish when I was learning to cook in my college dorm. At first, it felt a bit daunting to tackle something more intricate than ramen, but the aroma that filled my small kitchen was nothing short of magical. The first bite transported me to Italy, and from that day forward, Classic Spaghetti Bolognese became a staple in my repertoire. Trust me; once you pull that steaming bowl of pasta topped with robust sauce from your kitchen, everyone will be clamoring for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dish can be on your table in about 30-40 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The depth of red wine and fresh herbs brings each bite to life with essential savory notes.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it up piping hot with a sprinkle of green spring onions and grated Parmesan for an eye-pleasing finish.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a Sunday dinner, weeknight family meal, or any gathering – it’s versatile to serve all year round!
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap the beef for turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp olive oil: This is your base fat for sautéing and adds a lovely richness to the dish. Extra virgin is best!
- 1 onion (peeled and finely diced): A must-have for that aromatic foundation, giving sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced): Fresh garlic enhances the sauce with a delightful, fragrant kick.
- 1 carrot (peeled and finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and balances the savory elements.
- 3 chestnut mushrooms (finely diced): They lend an earthy flavor and nice texture to your sauce.
- 450 g (1 lb) minced beef (ground beef): Essential for a hearty base; feel free to use 400 g if that’s what you have on hand.
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) red wine: Use a good quality dry red wine for depth; it enriches the sauce significantly.
- 3 tbsp tomato puree: This thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that infuses your sauce with a warm, herbal fragrance.
- ½ tsp dried thyme: Adds a touch of earthiness; use fresh if you have it handy.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami that deepens the flavor substantially.
- 1 beef stock cube (crumbled): Distributing this in the sauce enriches the beef flavor.
- 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tins finely chopped tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are perfect for that juicy, saucy base!
- ½ tbsp light brown sugar: This will balance the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat.
- 300 g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti or fresh pasta: Whichever your preference; don’t forget, fresh pasta cooks quicker.
- Small bunch spring onions (scallions), chopped: For garnish and fresh crunch.
- Grated Parmesan: A classic finishing touch for flavor and richness.
How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Heat Oil: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking, which will create a perfect base for your aromatics.
Sauté Onion: Toss in your finely diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until it softens and turns translucent. This step builds a flavor foundation you won’t want to skip.
Add Garlic: Quickly add the minced garlic, cooking for just one more minute until fragrant. You want to be careful not to burn it!
Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the finely diced carrot and mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 additional minutes. You’ll see the veggies start to soften, adding complexity to your sauce.
Brown the Beef: Next, introduce 450 g of minced beef to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until it’s thoroughly browned. Be sure to break up any large chunks with your spatula; this ensures an even texture throughout.
Pour in Red Wine: Now, it’s time for fun! Add your ½ cup of red wine and bring it to a boil. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until reduced by three-quarters. This step concentrates the flavors.
Mix in Sauce Ingredients: Add 3 tbsp of tomato puree, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, the crumbled beef stock cube, 2 tins of finely chopped tomatoes, ½ tbsp light brown sugar, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper to the pan. Stir well, bringing everything back to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
Simmer the Sauce: Let your sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens up beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
Cook the Spaghetti: While that is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 300 g of dried spaghetti and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. You want that perfect bite!
Drain Pasta: Make sure to drain your spaghetti well and then divide it into four bowls. Visually appealing servings can enhance the dining experience!
Serve: Spoon the thick Bolognese sauce generously over the spaghetti. Finish with chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Your family and friends will be lining up for this comforting classic!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Classic Spaghetti Bolognese, let it cool to room temperature and place in an airtight container. In the fridge, it will last for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for a maximum of 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat until it’s bubbling; you might need to add a splash of water to refresh the texture, as it may thicken in the fridge or freezer.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Commonly, people overcook their pasta—aim for that perfect al dente texture!
- Using a good-quality wine can significantly elevate the flavor of your sauce, so choose one you wouldn’t mind sipping alongside your meal.
- If you’re a spice fan, feel free to add red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.
- For a little more depth, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering and removing it before serving.
- Always taste your sauce before serving; this is your chance to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a meal that combines simplicity with irresistible flavors. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, filled with love and warmth. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Whether it’s a family night in or a romantic dinner for two, you’re bound to impress.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors in Classic Spaghetti Bolognese actually improve as they sit. You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before serving.
What can I substitute for minced beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works great as leaner alternatives, and for vegetarian versions, try a plant-based meat substitute or lentils.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the normal spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Many options are available made from rice, quinoa, or beans that hold up well in this dish.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to include additional diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This will not only increase the nutrition of the dish but also add vibrant colors!
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📖 Recipe Card
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a delicious blend of minced beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, making it an easy, comforting meal that everyone enjoys. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is rich in flavor and straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion peeled and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 carrot peeled and finely diced
- 3 chestnut mushrooms finely diced
- 450 g (1 lb) minced beef (ground beef)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) red wine
- 3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 beef stock cube crumbled
- 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tins finely chopped tomatoes
- ½ tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 300 g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti or fresh pasta
- small bunch spring onions (scallions) chopped
- grated parmesan
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring often.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the diced carrot and mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 more minutes.
- Add the minced beef, cooking until browned for 5-6 minutes. Stir continuously to break up large chunks of meat.
- Pour in the red wine and bring to a boil, allowing it to bubble for 2-3 minutes until reduced by three-quarters.
- Mix in the tomato puree, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled beef stock cube, chopped tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- While the sauce simmers, boil salted water in a large pan and cook the spaghetti for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and serve it in bowls, spooning the Bolognese sauce on top.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and grated parmesan before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute 400g of minced beef if you can’t find larger packs.
This dish can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. You can also freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
