Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless dish that embodies comfort in every bite. Imagine a rich, hearty meat sauce simmered to perfection, soaking into al dente spaghetti, delivering a delightful aroma that not only fills the kitchen but also warms the soul. This classic meat sauce pasta dinner strikes the perfect balance between savory and slightly sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser among family and friends alike. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, Spaghetti Bolognese is as delightful to prepare as it is to serve.
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My first experience with this dish was in a quaint Italian restaurant in a nearby town—my heart raced as I took the first bite, and a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Since then, I have mastered my version of Spaghetti Bolognese that rivals any restaurant’s offering. Simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying, this dish makes weeknight dinners feel special. So, if you’re ready to savor the rich flavors while basking in the joys of cooking, let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ground beef, herbs, and tomatoes creates a mouthwatering sauce that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy it with spaghetti or your favorite pasta—great for family meals or entertaining guests!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist a hearty plate of spaghetti with rich meat sauce.
- Meal Prep Ready: Make a big batch and freeze for a rainy day; it tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich flavor base.
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion: Onions bring sweetness and depth to the sauce. Use a medium onion for the best results.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic quality; it’s best to use fresh.
- 1 lb ground beef (85 or 90%): The star of your meat sauce. You may substitute with bulk Italian sausage for added flavor.
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances flavor—adjust based on preference.
- ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper: For a touch of heat; fresh cracked is ideal for maximum flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Optional for those who like an extra kick.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This intensifies the flavor of the tomato base. Look for high-quality brands.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes nicely.
- ⅓ cup dry red wine: Adds depth; feel free to substitute with broth if desired.
- ¼ cup water: To adjust sauce consistency as needed while simmering.
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes: The heart of the sauce—crush them lightly while cooking.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil or 10 torn basil leaves: For that unmistakable Italian flavor—fresh is always a winner!
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A herb that complements the other flavors wonderfully.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy note essential for an authentic taste.
- 1 dried bay leaf: Introduces a subtle, aromatic background flavor.
- 8-12 oz pasta for serving (spaghetti recommended): Choose your favorite pasta shape for serving.
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Heat oil: In a large pan, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add the onions.
Sauté onions: Add 1 cup of finely chopped yellow onion to the pan. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, which should take about 3 minutes. The aroma will be delicious!
Add garlic: To the softened onions, toss in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This will elevate your sauce portion tremendously.
Brown the beef: Now, it’s time to add 1 lb of ground beef to the mix. Sprinkle in ¾ teaspoon of fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon of cracked pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of crushed red pepper (if using). Cook while crumbling the beef until browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if there’s a lot.
Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Continue cooking while stirring for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste begins to brown slightly; this caramelization deepens the flavor dramatically.
Deglaze with wine: Carefully drizzle in ⅓ cup of dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Cook this down until it reduces by half and the alcohol aroma lessens, around 3-5 minutes.
Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in ¼ cup of water and the 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them with a spoon as you go. Stir until combined and cook down until bubbling.
Season the sauce: Toss in 2 teaspoons of dried basil (or the torn fresh ones), 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 dried bay leaf. Mix everything to combine and ensure the bay leaf is submerged in the sauce. Allow it to simmer on low for at least 30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar, stirring occasionally to keep things from sticking.
Cook pasta: While your sauce simmers, start cooking 8-12 oz of pasta according to the package instructions. This is where the magic happens—you can serve the meat sauce over the pasta or mix it right in.
Combine & Serve: For combining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining. Add the pasta into the sauce along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the sauce clings to the noodles—this usually takes just a few minutes. Serve it up hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired—you deserve it!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, then transfer to the refrigerator where it can last for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just know the texture may change slightly, but a little extra pasta water will refresh it beautifully!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; this helps it to brown rather than steam.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a quicker cooking process; it helps everything come together seamlessly.
- Let your sauce simmer longer for a deeper flavor; just stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Consider adding grated carrots for a hint of sweetness and nutrition—no one will know!
- If your sauce is too acidic, balance it with a pinch of extra sugar or a splash of cream.
Spaghetti Bolognese is a wonderful dish that combines simple, fresh ingredients into something truly comforting. Whether it’s a small family dinner or a gathering of friends, this classic meat sauce pasta dinner guarantees smiles all around. This recipe is one you’ll want to adapt, make it your own, and share the joy it brings. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and different pasta shapes. Happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese in advance?
Absolutely! This meat sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner meat option. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as lean meat may require a little extra to enhance flavor.
What if I don’t have red wine?
If you don’t have red wine, feel free to substitute it with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. This still provides a rich flavor, while deciphering the initial alcohol kick from the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or use lentils as a base for the sauce. Aim for a mix of vegetables for added flavor and texture, like mushrooms or grated zucchini!
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Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Experience the delightful taste of Spaghetti Bolognese, featuring savory ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This comforting dish is simple to prepare, ideal for a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 lb ground beef (85 or 90%)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup dry red wine
- ¼ cup water
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil or 10 torn basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 8–12 oz pasta for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper, and cook until browned, crumbling the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Incorporate the tomato paste and sugar into the pan, cooking while stirring until the tomato paste is caramelized, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the water and canned tomatoes, breaking the tomatoes apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Mix in the basil, parsley, oregano, and bay leaf, stirring until combined. Simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Combine the pasta with the sauce before serving, or serve the sauce over the pasta. If mixing, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and stir into the sauce along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Simmer briefly until the sauce clings to the noodles.
- Serve hot, topped with parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use beef stock instead of water in the sauce.
Feel free to customize with your favorite pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
