pasta with tomato sauce and meat sauce

How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese, a beloved Italian dish, combines tender pasta with rich, flavorful meat sauce. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to guide you.

Ingredients: 400g ground beef, 1 onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 carrot (grated), 1 celery stalk (chopped), 800g canned tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, 250g spaghetti, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Steps:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until soft (5 mins).

2. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (8 mins). Drain excess fat.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, cook for 1 minute. Pour in canned tomatoes, oregano, bay leaf, and 1 cup water. Simmer uncovered for 30-45 mins, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (package instructions). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

5. Combine: Toss spaghetti with the sauce, adding pasta water if too dry. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Tips: For deeper flavor, simmer longer or a splash of red wine. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty meal!