Spaghetti Bolognese

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty and flavorful bowl of spaghetti Bolognese, just like mama used to make.

From the tender pasta to the rich and bold sauce, this is one dish that everyone will love. 

This delicious meal can be ready to feed hungry diners in only 40 minutes total.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This is the best spaghetti bolognese recipe because its simple to make and full of rich, deep flavors. 

For the starters, the low and slow cooking method allows the ground beef, bacon, tomatoes, and herbs to meld together, releasing their flavors and creating a hearty, robust sauce. Preparation is a simple matter of addinthe ingredients one by one to the pot and letting it cook And in less than 45 minutes you will have a hot and fulfilling plate of pasta ready to go. Plus this recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to cater to any taste and dietary preferecnes.

Ingredients

Spaghetti:

Spaghetti is commonly served with bolognese sauce because it's widely available, and its long, thin shape provides a good surface for the sauce to cling to. However, bolognese sauce is more traditionally served with flat, broad noodles like tagliatelle, fettuccini, or pappardelle. Tubular-shaped pasta such as rigatoni or penne also makes for excellent pairings with a classic bolognese sauce. Of course, you can also use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make a delicious gluten-free spaghetti bolognese.

Carrot, Onion, and Garlic:

The carrot, onion, and garlic provide aromatic flavor and depth to your bolognese sauce. Diced celery can also be added at the same stage as the carrot.

Bacon:

Bacon is often added to spaghetti bolognese sauce to add a smoky, savory flavor. In some traditional spaghetti bolognese recipes, pancetta is used instead of bacon for a more authentic Italian touch. If you prefer to omit bacon, you can absolutely do so, and the sauce will still be delicious. However, it can also be substituted with prosciutto or diced ham. If you're making a vegetarian spaghetti bolognese, smoked paprika or liquid smoke can be added to mimic the smoky richness of bacon in your spaghetti bolognese recipe.

Steak Mince:

Steak mince refers to ground beef made from higher-quality cuts of steak, such as sirloin or chuck. It has a slightly coarser texture and richer flavor, and its fat content results in a more flavorful and juicy spaghetti bolognese sauce. If steak mince is not available, you can easily substitute it with regular ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a mix of any two. For a vegan spaghetti bolognese, lentils, cauliflower, walnuts, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative all make for a delicious vegan bolognese sauce.

Tomatoes:

When it comes to using canned or fresh tomatoes, both options will result in a flavorful spaghetti bolognese sauce. While canned are much more convenient, fresh tomatoes will give your sauce a more vibrant flavor if they are in season. If using canned, opt for a high-quality brand of San Marzano tomatoes. If using fresh, varieties like Roma and plum will have a lower water content and more concentrated flavor. 

Tomato Paste:

Tomato paste is used to thicken the bolognese sauce while adding intense flavor. You can also experiment with new flavors by using sundried tomato puree or red pepper puree instead. Even ketchup will work in a pinch in the absence of tomato paste.

Seasoning:

This spaghetti bolognese recipe keeps the seasoning simple by just adding salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the mix. However, you can experiment with your favorite herbs and spices like oregano, basil, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and more.

Parmesan Cheese:

Finish your homemade spaghetti bolognese off with a dusting of freshly grated parmesan, Grana Padano, or pecorino romano cheese. Alternatively, nutritional yeast will add the cheesy flavor to your vegan spaghetti bolognese.

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese

Step One: 

Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package and set aside.

Step Two: 

Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat.

Step Three: 

Add the onion and carrots to the pot to saute until softened.

Step Four:

Stir in the bacon and garlic and saute until the bacon is cooked.

Step Five: 

Incorporate the minced steak and continue to saute until it is cooked through.

Step Six: 

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step Seven: 

Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Step Eight: 

Spoon the fresh bolognese sauce over a bed of spaghetti.

Step Nine: 

Serve your homemade spaghetti bolognese topped with fresh grated parmesan, and enjoy!

Tips

• You can continue to simmer your sauce low and slow for up to 2 hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavor your bolognese will have.
• Incorporating a splash of red wine while cooking the meat will give your traditional spaghetti bolognese a more robust flavor. Let it simmer until it reduces to achieve peak taste.

What to Serve With Spaghetti Bolognese

When serving spaghetti bolognese, look to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the dish with simple, flavorful sides. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the savory spaghetti bolognese sauce. Garlic toast or a loaf of fresh focaccia is perfect for soaking up the delicious bolognese sauce. You can also serve roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, which add a healthy balance to the meal.

FAQs

What’s the difference between spaghetti bolognese and regular spaghetti with meat sauce?

Spaghetti bolognese is a specific Italian-style meat sauce that typically includes ingredients like onions and carrots, along with ground beef. It's simmered slowly for a richer, deeper flavor compared to a basic meat sauce.

How can I thicken my spaghetti bolognese sauce?

If your spaghetti bolognese sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for longer to reduce the liquid, or you can add a small amount of tomato paste to thicken it.

What's the best way to store leftover spaghetti bolognese?

Leftover spaghetti bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, separate the sauce from the spaghetti, let the sauce cool, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I make it in the Instant Pot?

Yes. For a tasty one-pot meal check out this Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese recipe.

Pasta Recipes

There's nothing better than a hearty bowl of delicious pasta like this classic spaghetti bolognese, so we've gathered up some of our favorite pasta recipes to help inspire your next Italian feast!

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Ham and Noodle Casserole

Shrimp Tortellini

Pasta Carbonara