Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese? I think not! This Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is my go-to for a weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. It’s packed with flavor, and the whole family will love it. You’ll find this version uses simple ingredients and techniques, but the end result tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. Let’s get cooking!
Top Reasons To Make It
This isn’t your average spaghetti with meat sauce. This is a flavor explosion! It’s hearty, customizable, and makes great leftovers – perfect for those busy weeknights. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot wonder?
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The base of our hearty sauce.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots and Celery: The classic mirepoix adds complexity.
- Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the tomato flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato goodness.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and richness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A touch of tangy sweetness enhances the flavors.
- Olive oil: perfect for sauteing and infusing additional taste.
- Dried oregano, basil, and thyme: Classic Italian herbs.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a touch of heat.
- Spaghetti: The perfect pasta for our bolognese.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish.
See the recipe card below for specific measurements.
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a Dutch oven or other heavy bottomed pot, combine olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the pan with a slotted spoon, set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and balsamic vinegar.
- Add spices (dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth. Serve the bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti, garnished with fresh parsley.
How To Make The Best Spaghetti Bolognese
Want to elevate your Easy Spaghetti Bolognese? Here’s how: use high-quality canned tomatoes and tomato paste— it’s that easy. Don’t rush the simmering process; low and slow is key to developing those deep, rich flavors. Lastly, taste and adjust your seasonings throughout. Maybe add a pinch more salt here or a sprinkle of oregano there. It’s all about making it your own!
Variations & Substitutions
For a vegetarian twist, you can use lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef. Or go leaner with ground turkey. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne. If you’re gluten-free, simply use gluten-free spaghetti. Swapping pasta shapes is totally fine. Feel free to use penne, rotini, or whatever you like. But really, truly, the spaghetti noodle gets those delicious, flavorful bites of sauce coated all along.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
A simple green salad and some crusty bread are perfect companions to this Best Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe. A glass of iced tea or sparkling water is a refreshing beverage choice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Always ensure your food is heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this Quick Spaghetti Bolognese ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day. Make it a day or two in advance, store it in the fridge, and then just reheat when you’re ready.
Q: What’s the difference between bolognese and meat sauce?
A: While both feature ground meat, bolognese starts with a mirepoix of vegetables. Traditional Bolognese also incorporates cream or milk in some cases — but, not this one! The best flavor is always going to come from slow simmering your sauce for at least an hour to meld those flavors together. It makes your Spaghetti Bolognese recipe extra special.
So, there you have it – simple, delicious, and comforting, my Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
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Easy & Flavorful Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting, flavorful dish made with a rich tomato and beef sauce simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs. It’s a hearty family favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners!
Ingredients
▢ 1 lb ground beef
▢ 1 medium onion, finely chopped
▢ 2 carrots, diced
▢ 2 celery stalks, diced
▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
▢ ½ cup chicken broth
▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
▢ 1 teaspoon dried basil
▢ ½ teaspoon dried thyme
▢ Salt and black pepper, to taste
▢ ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
▢ 12 oz spaghetti
▢ Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned—about 5–7 minutes. Remove beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Return the beef to the pot and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and balsamic vinegar.
5. Add oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour), stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add more broth.
8. Serve the Bolognese over spaghetti and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
• For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer (up to 1.5 hours).
• Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a silkier sauce.
• Pairs well with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spaghetti bolognese, beef bolognese, classic pasta dinner, meat sauce