tomato meat sauce noodles

How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese, a beloved Italian staple, combines rich meat sauce with al dente pasta for a comforting meal. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to master it at home.

Ingredients:

- 400g ground beef or pork

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 carrot, diced

- 1 celery stalk, diced

- 800g canned crushed tomatoes

- 2 tbsp tomato paste

- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- Salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste

- 400g spaghetti

Steps:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until soft (5-7 minutes).

2. Brown Meat: Add ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat.

3. Simmer Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, cook for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes and red wine (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

4. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

5. Combine: Toss spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if too dry. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.

This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, and the leftover sauce tastes even better the next day! Enjoy your homemade Bolognese!