Experience the comforting taste of homemade spaghetti bolognese, a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and delicious. This recipe combines tender spaghetti with a rich, meaty sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of making this beloved recipe from scratch!
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients.
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while the cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 1 cup of spaghetti with sauce) contains approximately 450 calories, 25g protein, 15g fat, and 60g carbohydrates. This nutritional information is based on one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Gather all ingredients: spaghetti, ground beef, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Increase heat and add ground beef; cook until browned.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add salt, pepper, and Italian herbs; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain spaghetti and combine with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious spaghetti bolognese!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Additionally, fresh tomatoes can replace canned ones for a fresher taste.
Serving and Pairings
Serve spaghetti bolognese with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of red wine for a complete meal. Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley enhances the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t rush the browning of the meat; it adds flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Don’t skip the seasoning; it enhances the dish.
- Be cautious with the amount of liquid; too much can make the sauce watery.
- Let the sauce simmer for a full 20 minutes to develop flavors.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Experiment with herbs like oregano and thyme for added depth.
- For extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make spaghetti bolognese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just reheat it before serving and cook the pasta fresh.
What type of pasta is best for bolognese?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can also use tagliatelle or pappardelle for a different texture and flavor.
Can I freeze spaghetti bolognese?
Yes, spaghetti bolognese freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Is spaghetti bolognese healthy?
It can be a healthy meal when made with lean meat and plenty of vegetables. Adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
What can I serve with spaghetti bolognese?
Pair it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Spaghetti bolognese is a timeless dish that offers a blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite!
Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 250 g ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 400 g canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian herbs to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: spaghetti, ground beef, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Increase heat and add ground beef; cook until browned.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add salt, pepper, and Italian herbs; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain spaghetti and combine with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious spaghetti bolognese!
