Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Posted by: Authentic Flavors Made Easy

A timeless Italian-inspired favorite, Classic Spaghetti Bolognese features tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and vegetables, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ pounds (680 g) lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

For the Pasta

• 1 pound (450 g) spaghetti
• Water, for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
6. Pour in the red wine (if using) and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
7. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well.
8. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water if needed.
10. Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water.
11. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
12. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Bruschetta
• Red wine (optional)

Tips

• A longer simmer develops a deeper, richer flavor.
• For a more authentic taste, substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork or veal.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the best flavor and texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.