Craving a taste of Italy? Look no further than Spaghetti Bolognese, a timeless and beloved pasta dish that's both comforting and incredibly flavorful. Also known as pasta with meat sauce or beef and tomato pasta, this hearty meal is surprisingly easy to make at home. The rich and savory Bolognese sauce, perfectly clinging to strands of spaghetti, is a culinary match made in heaven. Our simple recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, homemade Bolognese sauce that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Your Homemade Bolognese Sauce:

  • 200 grams (approximately 0.44 lbs) ground beef (minced beef)
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or 2 fresh tomatoes, grated
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 sprigs fresh parsley or celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch of dried oregano
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredients for the Pasta:

  • ¾ package (approximately 300-350 grams) spaghetti pasta
  • 1 large pot of hot water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spaghetti Bolognese:

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the boiling water. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set aside. Reserve about 3-4 ladles of the pasta cooking water – this starchy water is key to a perfect sauce consistency.

  2. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large, wide pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

  4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely diced carrot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

  5. Introduce the Tomato Base: Add the tomato sauce (or grated fresh tomatoes) and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

  6. Season the Sauce: Add the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and oregano to the sauce. Stir everything together.

  7. Simmer for Flavor: Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water (3-4 ladles). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  8. Add Fresh Herbs: Just before the sauce is finished, stir in the finely chopped parsley (or celery stalks). Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the pan with the Bolognese sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the pasta strands are well coated with the delicious sauce.

  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese hot. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese:

  • Quality Ingredients Matter: Using good quality ground beef and ripe tomatoes will significantly enhance the flavor of your sauce.
  • Don't Rush the Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a longer time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deeper and more complex taste.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
  • Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like celery or mushrooms to your sauce for extra flavor and texture.
  • Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh parsley adds a bright and aromatic finish to the dish.

Conclusion:

This easy homemade Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a classic Italian dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. So, gather your ingredients, follow our guide, and enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors of this timeless pasta favorite! Buon Appetito!