Spaghetti Bolognese

There’s something magical about a steaming plate of Spaghetti Bolognese that takes you straight to the heart of Italy. This dish is more than just pasta; it’s a warm embrace, a celebration of flavors, and a comforting reminder of family gatherings.

The rich, savory sauce, simmered to perfection, clings to the spaghetti, creating a harmony that dances on the palate. Each ingredient tells a story, from the fragrant herbs to the hearty meat, all coming together in a symphony of taste.

Ingredients

To recreate a delicious Spaghetti Bolognese for four people, gather the following ingredients that will enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

• 12 oz spaghetti, uncooked
• 1 lb ground beef, or a mix of beef and pork
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine, optional
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a flavorful Spaghetti Bolognese that will satisfy your taste buds. This recipe utilizes all the ingredients for a rich and hearty dish.

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz of uncooked spaghetti, and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 cup of finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Brown the meat: Increase the heat to medium-high, add 1 lb of ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork), and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, which should take about 7-10 minutes.
5. Incorporate tomatoes: Once the meat is browned, stir in 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup of tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
6. Add beef broth: Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth and, if using, 1/2 cup of red wine, stirring to incorporate all the ingredients.
7. Season the sauce: Sprinkle in 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of dried basil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste, allowing the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
8. Finish the sauce: After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
9. Combine spaghetti and sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce in the skillet until well coated, ensuring every strand is covered.
10. Serve with cheese: Plate the spaghetti Bolognese and generously sprinkle with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese before serving, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.

Tweaks and Additions

Enhance your Spaghetti Bolognese with these thoughtful tweaks that will elevate the dish’s flavor and texture. From adding vegetables to experimenting with spices, these suggestions will make your meal even more delightful.

• Add diced carrots and celery: Incorporating 1 cup of finely diced carrots and celery when sautéing the onions will add sweetness and depth to the sauce, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Use fresh herbs: Instead of dried oregano and basil, consider using 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano and basil for a brighter, more aromatic taste that enhances the overall dish.
• Add a bay leaf: Including a bay leaf while the sauce simmers will impart a subtle earthiness, enriching the sauce’s flavor; just remember to remove it before serving.
• Incorporate mushrooms: Adding 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms when browning the meat will introduce an umami flavor and a nice texture, making the sauce heartier.
• Finish with a splash of cream: Stirring in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end will create a rich and velvety sauce, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Experiment with cheese: Instead of just Parmesan, try adding a blend of cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Serve with garlic bread: Pairing the dish with homemade garlic bread will provide a crunchy texture and a delicious way to soak up the sauce.
• Top with crushed red pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving will add a delightful kick to the dish.