Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is that timeless dish that seems to bridge generations and cultures with its deep, rich flavors. This iconic Italian meal blends aromatic herbs, savory minced beef, and sweet tomatoes to create a sauce that clings delightfully to every strand of spaghetti. It’s the type of dish that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into an occasion everyone looks forward to. You can almost hear the satisfied hums of family as they dig in, twirling their forks with joyful abandon.
Table of Contents
Many of us have fond memories associated with spaghetti Bolognese—maybe it was that cozy dinner at a friend’s house or a favorite family recipe passed down through the years. What makes Classic Spaghetti Bolognese truly exceptional is not just its comforting taste but how easily it comes together. With just some fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time. So, gather your loved ones, get your ingredients ready, and let’s create a dish that will surely become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This flavorful meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of minced beef merged with aromatic herbs and rich tomatoes creates a sauce that satisfies cravings completely.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish looks as lovely as it tastes, thanks to the vibrant red sauce and fresh green garnishes that brighten up your plate.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a comforting weeknight dinner, or impress guests at a casual dinner party.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for those needing gluten-free or dairy-free versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the vegetables and adds a subtle richness. You can substitute with canola oil if needed.
- 1 onion, peeled and finely diced: Provides a sweet base flavor when cooked down. Yellow or white onions work best.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced: Garlic adds depth and aroma to the sauce. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 3 chestnut mushrooms, finely diced: They add earthiness and enhance the overall flavor. You can swap with button mushrooms if chestnut is unavailable.
- 450 g (1 lb) minced beef: The star protein of this dish. If you can only find 400 g packs, that’s perfectly fine.
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) red wine: Adds complexity and enhances flavor, but feel free to use beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- 3 tablespoons tomato puree: Concentrating the tomato flavor, it thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives an Italian touch; you can use fresh oregano, but increase the amount.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: This herb imparts a wonderful aroma and flavor that blends wonderfully with tomato.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A dash of umami, deepening the flavor profile.
- 1 beef stock cube, crumbled: This enhances the richness. You may use vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.
- 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tins finely chopped tomatoes: Provides the sauce’s body and acidity.
- ½ tablespoon light brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor; adjust according to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth; use freshly cracked for the best flavor.
- 300 g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti or fresh pasta: Spaghetti is traditional, but any pasta works well. Follow the package for cooking times.
- Small bunch spring onions (scallions), chopped: These make a fresh garnish that adds a nice crunch.
- Grated parmesan: A must for serving to add creaminess and a salty kick.
How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
Heat the oil: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil. This will be your base for sautéing the vegetables to unleash their natural flavors.
Sauté the onion: Add the 1 diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until it softens and turns translucent.
Add garlic: Toss in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt!
Incorporate carrot and mushrooms: Next, mix in the 1 diced carrot and 3 finely diced chestnut mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften. The mushrooms should release their moisture and take on that delicious flavor.
Brown the minced beef: Introduce the 450 g minced beef into the pan. Cook it for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the meat is fully browned and crumbled. This helps develop the deep flavor we love.
Pour in red wine: Add 120 ml red wine to the pan, bringing everything to a boil. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until reduced by three-quarters. This technique greatly enhances flavor depth.
Mix in the sauce ingredients: Add 3 tablespoons tomato puree, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 crumbled beef stock cube, 2 tins of finely chopped tomatoes, ½ tablespoon light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring it all to a boil again, then lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. You’ll want it to thicken nicely, bubbles ensuring it’s well-cooked.
Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 300 g dried spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes until al dente. When done, drain the spaghetti, but save a splash of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Serve & garnish: Divide the cooked spaghetti into four bowls. Generously spoon the bolognese sauce on top and sprinkle with chopped spring onions and grated parmesan cheese. You can almost hear the cheers around the table!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Classic Spaghetti Bolognese, allow it to cool at room temperature for no longer than two hours. Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, your bolognese can be frozen for up to 3 months. When it’s time to indulge again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain that desirable texture. Do note, flavors may deepen with time, making your dish even more delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid overcooking the beef, ensure it’s chopped into small pieces and stirred frequently while browning.
- Allow both the sauce and the pasta to rest before serving; this helps flavors meld together.
- If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Consider making a larger batch and freeze some for those busy nights—you’ll thank yourself later!
- Experiment with different herbs or spices for a twist that suits your taste buds.
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of hearty flavors and shared moments. You’ll love the inviting aroma that fills your home as it cooks, and the satisfaction that comes from enjoying a dish that feels like a warm hug. Feel free to adjust ingredients to make it your own and let the love for authentic Italian cooking shine through in your kitchen. Enjoy this easy-to-make family favorite that warms souls and fills bellies!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While minced beef is classic, you could easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture for flavor. Vegetarian options such as lentils or mushrooms can work well too.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
For gluten-free spaghetti Bolognese, simply swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta options available in stores. The rest of the ingredients are generally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The flavors often deepen overnight, creating an even richer sauce.
What should I serve with Spaghetti Bolognese?
A simple side salad and some garlic bread complement this dish beautifully. For something lighter, consider roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a nutritious addition.
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📖 Recipe Card
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favorite)
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a beloved dish, rich in flavor and made with simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick family dinner or cozy night in, it features tender minced beef, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs that create a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
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 olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute.
- Add the diced carrot and mushrooms, cooking them for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the minced beef, cooking for 5-6 minutes until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spatula.
- Pour in the red wine, bringing the mixture to a boil. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until reduced significantly.
- Stir in the tomato puree, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled beef stock cube, tinned tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- While the sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and divide it among four bowls.
- Top the spaghetti with the bolognese sauce, and garnish with chopped spring onions and grated parmesan before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, allow the bolognese sauce to simmer longer than 20 minutes.
Feel free to substitute the minced beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier option.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving, especially with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
