pasta with meat sauce

A Comprehensive Guide to Making Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese, a beloved Italian classic, is a hearty dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, meaty sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect version.

Ingredients:

- 400g ground beef or a mix of beef and pork

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 carrot, diced

- 1 celery stalk, diced

- 400g canned crushed tomatoes

- 2 tbsp tomato paste

- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth)

- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 1 bay leaf

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 400g spaghetti

- Olive oil, for cooking

- Fresh basil or Parmesan, for garnish

Steps:

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

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

3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, cook for 1 minute. Pour in wine (if using) and let it reduce. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 45 minutes–1 hour, until thickened.

4. Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (check package timing). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

5. Combine: Toss spaghetti with the sauce, adding pasta water if needed to loosen. Garnish with basil or Parmesan.

Tips: For deeper flavor, simmer the sauce longer. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side of garlic bread!