Spaghetti Bolognese Classic Italian (Printer-Friendly Layout)
Rich tomato and beef sauce with aromatic vegetables and herbs, served over pasta for a comforting Italian favorite.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meat and Protein
01 -
500 g ground beef (preferably a blend of lean and regular)
→ Vegetables
02 -
1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 -
2 carrots, grated or finely diced
04 -
2 celery stalks, finely diced
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce Base
06 -
800 g canned crushed tomatoes
07 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 -
125 ml red wine
09 -
120 ml beef or vegetable stock
10 -
125 ml whole milk or heavy cream
→ Aromatics and Herbs
11 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 -
1 teaspoon dried basil
14 -
1 bay leaf
15 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
16 -
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 -
Salt, to taste
18 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Pasta
19 -
400 g dried spaghetti
→ Finishing
20 -
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
02 -
Stir in grated carrot and diced celery. Cook for 3–5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.
03 -
Pour in red wine, stirring to deglaze any browned bits from the base of the pan. Let wine simmer for 2 minutes, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
04 -
Add beef or vegetable stock, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let sauce cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally for depth of flavor.
05 -
Pour in milk or cream and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a velvety, rich sauce.
06 -
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
07 -
Twirl portions of spaghetti onto warm plates and generously spoon Bolognese sauce over the pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to finish.
# Extra Tips and Tricks:
01 -
For optimal flavor, allow the sauce to simmer for up to two hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking; this intensifies the depth of flavor.
02 -
If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, adjust consistency with a splash of additional stock or water.