Spaghetti Bolognese

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spaghetti Bolognese is everything you want in a pasta dish: rich, savory, and satisfying. The combination of finely diced vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and onions with the tender minced beef creates a robust base for the sauce. The Worcestershire sauce adds depth, while the canned tomatoes bring the perfect amount of acidity to balance everything out. It’s a meal that comes together quickly, and with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh spring onions, it’s truly irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 3 chestnut mushrooms, finely diced
• 450 g (1 lb) minced beef (or 400 g if that’s the available pack size)
• 120 ml (½ cup) liquid (a mix of broth or a non-alcoholic alternative)
• 3 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 beef stock cube, crumbled
• 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans finely chopped tomatoes
• ½ tbsp light brown sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 300 g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti or fresh pasta

To Serve:

• Grated parmesan
• Small bunch spring onions (scallions), chopped

Directions

1. Cook the Aromatics:

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened.

2. Add Garlic and Vegetables:

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced carrot and mushrooms, and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened.

3. Brown the Meat:

• Add the minced beef to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.

4. Simmer the Sauce:

• Stir in the tomato purée, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled stock cube, tinned tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

5. 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 (usually 10–12 minutes). Drain well.

6. Assemble the Dish:

• Divide the spaghetti between serving bowls. Spoon the Bolognese sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped spring onions and grated parmesan.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute in place of the minced beef for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
• Add More Veggies: You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for more flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Twist: Add red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Different Pasta: While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can serve the Bolognese sauce over other pasta types like rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The Bolognese sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen it. You can also microwave it until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make the Bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but still delicious.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and chop them, and you may need to adjust the cooking time. Canned tomatoes provide a more consistent texture and flavor.

4. Can I add wine vinegar instead of red wine?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to add acidity.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free thickening agent, like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

6. Can I add cream to the Bolognese sauce?

Yes! For a creamy version, you can stir in some heavy cream or plant-based cream towards the end of cooking for a richer sauce.

7. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely! Stir in some grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese into the sauce for an extra creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

8. Can I use jarred spaghetti sauce?

While homemade Bolognese sauce is richer in flavor, you can use jarred spaghetti sauce as a shortcut. Just simmer it with some extra seasonings, herbs, and vegetables for a more personalized flavor.

9. How can I thicken my Bolognese sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a bit of tomato paste or cornstarch mixed with water.

10. What is the best pasta to serve with Bolognese sauce?

Spaghetti is traditional, but Bolognese sauce pairs well with any pasta that can hold the rich sauce, like fettuccine, rigatoni, or pappardelle.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect weeknight dinner, full of rich, comforting flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. With a savory, tomato-based sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan on top, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Whether you stick with the classic beef version or get creative with alternative ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

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