Description
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
Cook the spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat.
Make the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine: Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce or serve the sauce generously over the spaghetti.
Garnish and serve: Top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
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 steps for a foolproof Bolognese. First, prep all ingredients before starting (mise en place). For the sauce, use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. After browning the beef and draining fat, create a flavor base by letting the tomato paste cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly. When adding the crushed tomatoes and broth, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. The key is a gentle simmer; bubbles should just break the surface. Let it reduce uncovered, stirring every 5 minutes, until it thickens to a rich, cohesive sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce generously over a nest of spaghetti on warmed plates. For a traditional touch, mix most of the sauce with the pasta in the pan, letting it coat for a minute before plating. Accompany with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and slices of garlic bread. A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs perfectly. For leftovers, the sauce often tastes even better the next day.
How-to Summary
To make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese: 1) Boil salted water and cook spaghetti to al dente. 2) In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. 3) Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain fat. 4) Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 5) Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes. 6) Combine sauce with pasta or plate spaghetti and top with sauce. 7) Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Tagliatelle or fettuccine are classic choices, but any sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni works well.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground alternative or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Why add sugar to the sauce? A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more rounded, mellow flavor.
Can I make Bolognese ahead of time? Absolutely. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
What’s the difference between Bolognese and a basic meat sauce? Authentic Bolognese is a slow-cooked ragù often including milk or wine. This is a simplified, quicker version that captures the essential hearty flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook only to al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
- Skipping the simmer: Rushing the simmering time prevents the flavors from melding and the sauce from properly thickening.
- Not draining excess fat: Leaving too much fat from the beef can result in a greasy, unbalanced sauce.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan: For the best flavor, grate a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano or high-quality Parmesan cheese fresh.
Conclusion
This Classic Spaghetti Bolognese recipe delivers the deep, savory comfort of a timeless Italian-American dish with straightforward steps. By focusing on foundational techniques like building layers of flavor and allowing the sauce to simmer properly, you create a meal that feels both special and familiar. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Mastering this dish provides a cornerstone for your cooking repertoire, inviting you to experiment with variations while always returning to a beloved classic.