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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese
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A classic Italian Spaghetti Bolognese recipe that is quick, simple, and rich in flavor. This hearty dish features tender spaghetti noodles topped with a slow-simmered savory meat sauce made from minced beef, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family dinners and ideal for leftovers, it’s versatile and customizable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 500g minced beef

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

Tomatoes & Sauces

  • 400g canned tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Liquids

  • Optional: 125ml red wine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 400g spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Set aside the minced beef and gather all other ingredients.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes until softened and the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Brown the Minced Beef: Add the minced beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over and no longer pink.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme). Pour in red wine if using. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer for Deep Flavor: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  6. Cook the Spaghetti: Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and generously ladle the Bolognese sauce on top. Garnish with fresh herbs and grated cheese if desired, and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor.
  • Do not rush the simmering process; longer cooking deepens the richness of the sauce.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
  • Season gradually and adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout cooking.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, Italian pasta, meat sauce, family dinner, easy recipe, classic Italian dish

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/spaghetti-bolognese/