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–+ servings

Spaghetti Bolognese

A classic Italian dish featuring hearty Bolognese sauce served over spaghetti, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 3 chestnut mushrooms finely diced
  • 450 g minced beef or 400 g if that’s the available pack size
  • 120 ml red wine or use beef broth or balsamic vinegar as a substitute
  • 3 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 beef stock cube crumbled
  • 2 cans finely chopped tomatoes, 400 g each
  • 0.5 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper

For the Pasta

  • 300 g dried spaghetti or fresh pasta

To Serve

  • Grated parmesan
  • 1 small bunch spring onions (scallions), chopped

Instructions
 

Cook the Aromatics

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring regularly.

Add Garlic and Vegetables

  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the diced carrot and mushrooms. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Brown the Meat

  • Add the minced beef to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.

Deglaze with Wine

  • Pour in the red wine. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes, reducing by about three-quarters.

Simmer the Sauce

  • Stir in the tomato purée, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled stock cube, tinned tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes until thickened.

Cook the Spaghetti

  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10–12 minutes. Drain well.

Assemble the Dish

  • Divide the spaghetti between serving bowls. Spoon the Bolognese sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped spring onions and grated parmesan.

Notes

For deeper flavor, consider simmering the sauce longer than 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream at the end for a creamier sauce. You can substitute minced beef with other meats like turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze the Bolognese sauce for up to three months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g
Keyword Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Italian Recipe, Pasta, Spaghetti Bolognese
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