Spaghetti Bolognese

A classic Italian comfort food, this Spaghetti Bolognese features a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce infused with aromatic vegetables and a touch of red wine. Served over perfectly cooked spaghetti, it's a hearty and deeply satisfying meal.

Spaghetti Bolognese
  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 17 minutes
  • Total time: 22 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry red wine (like Chianti or Merlot)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until reduced by half.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour (or up to 2-3 hours for richer flavor), stirring occasionally.
  7. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  8. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips

  • For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a more complex sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, Bolognese sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves as it sits.

Can I freeze Bolognese sauce?

Absolutely. Cool the sauce completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with Spaghetti Bolognese?

A simple green salad with a vinaigrette and crusty bread are perfect accompaniments to this rich pasta dish.