Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting pasta dish with a rich meat sauce, tender vegetables, tomatoes and herbs. It makes a filling family dinner and works well for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. The sauce cooks gently so the beef becomes tender and the flavors blend together. Served over hot spaghetti with a little Parmesan, this meal feels hearty without needing fancy ingredients. The best part is that you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when needed. This simple Spaghetti Bolognese recipe gives you a tasty homemade dinner with clear steps and easy ingredients.

What Is Spaghetti Bolognese?

Spaghetti Bolognese combines cooked spaghetti with a tomato-based meat sauce. The sauce usually contains ground beef, onion, carrot, garlic, tomatoes and Italian herbs. It has a savory, slightly sweet flavor and a thick texture that coats the pasta well.

Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Cook the vegetables: Add onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add oregano, basil, salt and black pepper.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-35 minutes, stirring from time to time. Add a little pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Combine and serve: Toss the hot spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce or spoon the sauce over the pasta. Top with Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Essential Note

For the best Spaghetti Bolognese, give the sauce enough time to simmer. Gentle cooking helps the beef, tomatoes and vegetables develop a deeper flavor. Do not rush this step.

Cook the spaghetti in well-salted water and stop when it reaches al dente texture. Slightly firm pasta holds the sauce better and does not become mushy on the plate.

If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a small amount of sugar. Do not add too much, because the sauce should still taste savory and tomato-rich. You can also add a splash of milk near the end of cooking for a softer, richer sauce.

For food safety, cook ground beef thoroughly and refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Store the sauce and pasta separately when possible. Reheat the sauce until it is hot throughout.

Recipe Notes

Use lean or regular ground beef, fresh vegetables and good-quality crushed tomatoes for a rich sauce. Leftover Bolognese tastes even better the next day.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Brown the beef well: Let the meat develop some color before adding the vegetables. This gives the sauce a deeper flavor.
Chop vegetables finely: Small pieces blend into the sauce and create a smoother texture.
Do not skip the simmer: A slow simmer helps the sauce thicken and brings the flavors together.
Salt the pasta water: This seasons the spaghetti from the inside as it cooks.
Save pasta water: Its starch helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
Avoid overcooking spaghetti: Cook it until al dente for the best texture.
Taste before serving: Adjust salt, pepper and acidity after the sauce finishes cooking.
Use Parmesan at the end: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs well with the tomato and beef sauce.

Anupam

Before I even start cooking, I taste-test everything to make sure it’s spot-on. Then, I break it down for you with everyday essentials, nutrition info, and simple, step-by-step instructions. From breakfast to dinner, I walk you through each stage so cooking becomes easy, fun, and stress-free.