There’s a reason Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table with eager anticipation! With its hearty, slow-simmered meat sauce, tender pasta, and a scattering of fresh Parmesan and basil, this dish is comfort food in its purest form. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy night in or cooking for a hungry crowd, you’ll fall in love with the way the savory sauce hugs each strand of spaghetti. Every bite brings together classic Italian flavors, rustic charm, and the sort of satisfaction that lingers long after the last forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about simplicity—each ingredient in the Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe has its own unique role to play. This isn’t just a random collection of pantry staples, but a thoughtful lineup that creates layers of flavor, a beautiful color, and the perfect texture for this beloved pasta dish.
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 beef for the right balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Olive Oil: Gives a rich base flavor and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
- Onion (chopped): Brings a lovely sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Adds irresistible aroma and a subtle kick.
- Carrot (finely chopped): Offers a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery (finely chopped): Rounds out the “soffritto” and adds delicate earthiness.
- Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce’s flavor and gives it a gorgeous, hearty color.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce—go for a quality canned tomato if you can!
- Beef Broth: Infuses umami and keeps everything wonderfully saucy.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: A classic Italian combo for herby undertones.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste at the end and adjust if needed.
- Whole Milk: Softens acidity and gives the sauce its signature silkiness.
- Spaghetti: The carrier for all that saucy goodness—cook until perfectly al dente!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Basil (optional): Add a final flourish for extra flavor and color.
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, then sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until everything has softened and the kitchen smells like the beginnings of something cozy and delicious.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef
Once your veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—enough to wake up its aroma. Crumble in the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until all the pink disappears; if there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it for a lighter sauce.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Add your tomato paste right into the browned meat and cook for a minute or two. This helps build that deep, caramelized flavor and creates a beautiful base for your sauce.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Herbs
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, bring it up to a gentle simmer, and then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce quietly bubble away for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every now and then—the flavors meld together and your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 5: Finish with Milk
Stir in the whole milk and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes. The milk will mellow out the acidity from the tomatoes and transform your sauce into something extra creamy and luxurious.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While your sauce is finishing, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Aim for al dente so your pasta has a little bite and stands up to the hearty sauce. Drain well.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Divide the hot spaghetti onto plates or bowls and generously ladle the Bolognese sauce over the top. Sprinkle plenty of grated Parmesan and fresh basil if you have them—then dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A classic Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe truly shines with the right final touches. Pile on grated Parmesan for that salty, nutty punch and top with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness. If you like a little extra heat, a quick dusting of red pepper flakes can also be delicious!
Side Dishes
Make this meal unforgettable by serving with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or a side of buttery garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, consider roasted vegetables or a platter of marinated olives to keep things Italian.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your guests by twirling individual nests of spaghetti with a ladle and fork, then spooning sauce right in the center. Or, serve your Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe family style in a big, rustic serving bowl, letting everyone help themselves—just like you’re at Nonna’s table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store the meat sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The sauce keeps wonderfully for up to four days and actually gets even richer and tastier overnight.
Freezing
The Bolognese sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s best to cook fresh spaghetti when serving from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat the sauce, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. If you’re reheating pasta, a brief dip in hot water will loosen it up and bring back its texture, or microwave with a damp paper towel covering.
FAQs
What’s the secret to a rich-tasting Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe?
A longer simmer does wonders for this sauce! The flavors meld and deepen the longer they cook together, so if you have the time, let your Bolognese gently bubble for up to an hour, stirring now and then.
Can I use different types of ground meat?
Absolutely! While classic Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe usually uses ground beef, you can swap in ground pork, veal, or even a blend. Mixing meats creates even more flavor complexity and tenderness.
Is milk really necessary?
Yes, adding milk to your Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is a traditional trick to mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes and leave the sauce extra silky. Even just a splash makes a noticeable difference.
How do I make this Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta brand. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until needed. In fact, the flavors only improve with a day or two of rest, making this one easy to prep ahead for busy nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a timeless, cozy pasta dish, give this Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe a whirl! From its rich, savory sauce to the way it brings people together around the table, it’s a meal you’ll make memories over again and again. Gather your ingredients, get that sauce simmering, and enjoy one of the best tastes of Italy right at home.
Print
Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. The rich meat sauce pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For Serving:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in milk and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Cook Spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Serve topped with Bolognese sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer or add a splash of red wine with the tomatoes.
- You can also use a combination of ground beef and pork for added depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
