Description
Bold Spaghetti Bolognese with Chili
Ingredients:
Olive oil, onion, garlic, celery, carrot
Ground beef
Tomatoes, chili flakes, and broth
Instructions:
Sauté aromatics and brown the meat.
Add chili flakes with tomato products for a spicy kick. Simmer for 25 minutes.
Serve with pasta, parsley, and Parmesan.
Tip: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
#SpicyBolognese
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Finely dice one onion, two cloves of garlic, one celery stalk, and one carrot. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced vegetables and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add 500g of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes (adjust to taste) and cook for one minute to release their flavor.
5. Add one 400g can of crushed tomatoes and 250ml of beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer gently for at least 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
7. While the sauce simmers, cook 400g of spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
8. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water. Toss the spaghetti directly into the Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy Bolognese immediately in deep bowls. Top each portion with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and some crusty garlic bread for dipping.
How-to Summary
Sauté diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Brown ground beef in the same pot. Add chili flakes, canned tomatoes, and broth. Simmer for 25+ minutes until thickened. Toss with cooked spaghetti and finish with Parmesan and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. This sauce tastes even better the next day. Let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove.
What can I use instead of ground beef? For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative work very well.
My sauce is too acidic. How can I fix it? A pinch of sugar or a small grated carrot added during cooking can balance acidity. If the sauce is already done, stir in a teaspoon of butter or a splash of milk or cream at the end to mellow it.
How can I make it spicier (or milder)? For more heat, add extra chili flakes, a diced fresh chili, or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the chili flakes entirely.
Can I freeze the Bolognese? Yes, it freezes beautifully. Cool the sauce completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Browning the Meat Properly: Avoid steaming the beef. Ensure the pot is hot enough to get a good, caramelized sear for maximum flavor.
- Skipping the Vegetable Sauté: Rushing this step prevents the vegetables (the *soffritto*) from releasing their sweetness, which is foundational to the sauce.
- Underseasoning: Remember to season each layer with salt and pepper—after sautéing the veggies, after browning the meat, and again at the end to taste.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti to al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Conclusion
This Bold Spaghetti Bolognese with Chili is a fantastic twist on a classic, transforming a comforting favorite into an exciting, flavor-packed dish. The method is straightforward, but attention to the key steps—proper browning and a patient simmer—makes all the difference. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that is endlessly customizable to your preferred spice level. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that proves simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results.
