Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Spaghetti Bolognese is not just a dish; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. With its rich meat sauce, lovingly simmered to perfection, every bite is a nostalgia-filled journey straight to Italy. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen creates an inviting atmosphere, making it impossible to resist the allure of this classic. Perhaps you remember the first time you made it yourself—how every stirring of the pot made your heart sing. This recipe is all about straightforward ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavor, making it a staple in countless homes.
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Yet, there’s something about this hearty Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner that elevates it beyond mere dinner. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a delightful way to impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat. The satisfying taste and texture make it a timeless favorite, one that can easily adapt to dietary needs or preferences. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this classic recipe that is destined to become a family favorite at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep this delicious meal in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the savory combination of beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs that dance on your palate.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve up a colorful plate of spaghetti topped with rich meat sauce that looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when hosting friends; it’s bound to please a crowd.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap ground beef for Italian sausage or plant-based alternatives for a tailored dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Good quality olive oil helps sauté the vegetables, imparting a rich flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, creating a flavorful base.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic element that complements the meat wonderfully.
- 1 lb ground beef (85% or 90%): The star of the show, providing that hearty, satisfying base. Swap in bulk Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances the flavor of all the ingredients, balancing the dish beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Optional for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This concentrated tomato flavor enriches the sauce and gives it a nice thickness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Counteracts the acidity of the tomatoes for a well-rounded flavor.
- ⅓ cup dry red wine: Adds richness; use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth as a substitute if preferred.
- ¼ cup water: Helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes: Provides a juicy, fresh element; crush them for a more cohesive sauce texture.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil or 10 torn basil leaves: Fresh or dried herbs add aromatic characteristics that enhance the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a pleasant herbal note to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes an earthy undertone.
- 1 dried bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with a warm, complex flavor as it simmers.
- 8-12 oz pasta (adjust based on preference; spaghetti is recommended): The perfect companion to soak up all that rich sauce.
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Heat the oil: In a large pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil until it shimmers. This will ensure your onions cook evenly without burning.
Cook the onion: Add in 1 cup of finely chopped yellow onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until it’s translucent.
Add the garlic: Toss in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more until fragrant—your kitchen should now be smelling delightful!
Brown the beef: Introduce 1 lb of ground beef to the pan, sprinkling ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper over it. Cook until the meat is browned throughout, crumbling it as you go. If there’s excess grease, drain it off to keep your sauce light.
Caramelize the tomato paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s nicely browned, deepening its flavors.
Add the wine: Pour ⅓ cup of dry red wine into the pan, scraping the sticky bits off the bottom. This step boosts the sauce’s depth and complexity. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by half, about 3-5 minutes.
Incorporate tomatoes and water: Stir in ¼ cup of water along with the 28 oz of canned whole peeled tomatoes. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon, allowing them to blend into the mixture seamlessly.
Season the sauce: Add 2 teaspoons of dried basil (or the fresh if you’re using that), 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and a 1 dried bay leaf. Give everything a good stir until well combined and ensure the bay leaf is submerged.
Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes with an offset lid, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cook your pasta: While the sauce is simmering, start preparing your pasta according to package instructions. Aim for al dente for the best texture.
Combine and serve: Whether serving the meat sauce over the pasta or mixing them together, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. If combining, add the pasta to the sauce with a splash of reserved water, stirring gently until the sauce clings to the noodles, which will take just a few minutes.
Serve your hearty dish warm, with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if you’d like, and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!
Storing & Reheating
Leftover Spaghetti Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours. If you plan to keep it longer, pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer the cool sauce to a freezer-safe container, where it can be stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your ground beef is at room temperature for even cooking.
- For a smoother sauce texture, consider blending the tomatoes briefly before adding them to the pan.
- Want extra flavor? Cook your onions longer until they’re caramelized for a richer base.
- If your sauce is too acidic, add a little more sugar to balance the flavors.
- Make-ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
The beauty of homemade Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner lies in its ability to bring joy and warmth with every dish served. It’s a delicious reminder of the simplicity of good food, allowing you to make something truly special without needing to be a culinary expert. Feel free to add your own spin with spices or herbs—there’s a wonderful freedom in cooking. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful meal, and enjoy the hearty flavors that will linger in your home long after the last plate has been cleared.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce tastes even better after a day in the fridge. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, reheat it on the stovetop before serving over freshly cooked pasta.
What pasta works best with Bolognese sauce?
While spaghetti is a classic choice, other pasta types such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta will pair beautifully with this rich meat sauce. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the sauce well.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a delicious vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and vegetables. This maintains a satisfying texture while omitting meat.
What can I serve alongside Spaghetti Bolognese?
Pair your dish with garlic bread or a crisp garden salad for a well-rounded meal. Additionally, a glass of red wine can beautifully accentuate the flavors of the sauce.
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📖 Recipe Card
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
This Spaghetti Bolognese boasts a rich meat sauce, combining savory ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s a delightful choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, ensuring satisfaction with every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 lb ground beef
- 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
- 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 cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, sprinkle with sea salt, cracked pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook until browned, crumbling the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in tomato paste and sugar, cooking until the tomato paste begins to caramelize, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in red wine while scraping the bottom of the pan. Cook until reduced by half, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add water and canned tomatoes, breaking the tomatoes apart with a spoon.
- Mix in dried basil, parsley, oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir until combined and let simmer with a slightly open lid for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions.
- When ready to serve, combine pasta with the meat sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary, and simmer until well coated. Serve topped with parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Feel free to substitute fresh basil if you have it on hand.
Reserve some pasta water for a smoother sauce texture while combining.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
