Spaghetti Bolognese – A Hearty and Flavorful Italian Classic!

 

 

Spaghetti Bolognese – A Hearty and Flavorful Italian Classic!

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

500g (1 lb) ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 cup red wine (optional)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

For the Spaghetti:

400g (14 oz) spaghetti

Salt, for boiling water

For Serving:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Add the diced carrot and celery, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the ground beef (and pork, if using) to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors.

Add the milk or cream to the sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes for a creamy finish.

Cook the Spaghetti:

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water.

If needed, toss the cooked pasta with a little of the pasta water to prevent it from sticking.

Combine and Serve:

Serve the spaghetti by placing a portion on each plate and topping with the rich Bolognese sauce.

Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.

Pro Tip: For even more flavor, let the Bolognese sauce sit for an extra 30 minutes or overnight. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious!