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Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

A classic and hearty Spaghetti Bolognese recipe that simmers for hours to develop deep, rich flavors. This comforting Italian dish features tender ground beef cooked with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti and garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Onion (diced)
  • 2 Carrots (diced)
  • 2 Celery stalks (diced)
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 5-6 leaves Fresh Basil or 2 tsp dried basil
  • 400g/14oz Canned Diced Tomatoes
  • 500g/17oz Tomato Passata/Crushed Tomatoes
  • 250ml/1 cup water
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 450g/1 lbs Ground Beef (extra lean)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 450g/1 lbs Spaghetti

To Serve

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over low heat. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic, cooking gently for 10 minutes without letting them brown. This slow cooking will release their sweetness and build the flavor base.
  2. Cook the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the extra lean ground beef. Brown it thoroughly, stirring constantly and breaking up the meat until it’s no longer pink inside. This ensures even cooking and a good texture in the sauce.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato passata, and 1 cup of water. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and torn basil leaves, reserving a few small basil leaves for garnish. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken into a rich, luscious texture.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: When the sauce is nearly ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, typically 2 minutes less than indicated to avoid overcooking, as the pasta will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
  6. Combine and Serve: Drain the spaghetti thoroughly and add it directly to the sauce. Gently stir to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Remove from heat, top with the reserved fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

  • Simmering the sauce for a long time enhances the depth of flavor and tenderizes the meat.
  • Use extra lean ground beef to reduce fat content in the sauce.
  • Cooking the spaghetti slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note; dried basil can be used if fresh is unavailable.
  • Allow the sauce to cool and refrigerate leftovers within two hours for food safety.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/spaghetti-bolognese-recipe/