Description
Hearty Beef Bolognese with Fettuccine
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the pasta: Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sauté until soft. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Make the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, sugar, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Combine: Serve the rich Bolognese sauce over cooked fettuccine. Top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Serve: Enjoy this hearty, comforting classic!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Bolognese. First, prep all ingredients: dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your herbs and liquids. Begin boiling a large pot of generously salted water for the pasta. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, and cook until no pink remains. Carefully drain the excess fat. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is rich and thickened. While the sauce simmers, cook the fettuccine to al dente according to package directions, then drain.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Bolognese immediately over hot fettuccine. For a restaurant-style touch, toss the drained pasta directly in the skillet with a bit of the sauce before plating. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter accompaniment, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the hearty meal beautifully.
How-to Summary
To make Beef Bolognese: Sauté onion and garlic, brown and drain the ground beef. Enrich with tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, broth, sugar, and herbs. Simmer to thicken. Cook fettuccine separately. Combine pasta and sauce, then garnish with Parmesan and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. This sauce pairs well with tagliatelle, pappardelle, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
How can I make this sauce ahead of time? The sauce tastes even better the next day. Cool it completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I substitute the ground beef? Yes. A mix of beef and pork or sausage is traditional. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken, but add a splash more broth.
Why add sugar to the sauce? A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more rounded, mellow flavor.
How do I properly store leftovers? Store pasta and sauce separately if possible to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Recombine when reheating with a splash of water or broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: Do not skip draining the fat from the cooked beef, as it can make the sauce greasy. Do not undercook the tomato paste; letting it cook for a minute with the beef caramelizes it, building a deeper flavor base. Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente so it holds its texture when combined with the sauce. Finally, do not rush the simmering time; this step is crucial for developing the sauce’s rich, concentrated flavor.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef Bolognese with Fettuccine is a timeless, satisfying dish that brings the essence of Italian comfort food to your table. With its rich, meaty sauce and simple techniques, it’s a reliable recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Mastering this classic builds a foundation for countless pasta variations. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious, homemade results.