Spaghetti Bolognese might not be the most traditional Italian dish, but it remains a beloved classic worldwide. This version takes inspiration from Ragù alla Bolognese, incorporating slow-simmered beef, a rich tomato base, and a touch of Parmesan for depth. While traditional Bolognese is often served with tagliatelle or pappardelle, spaghetti remains the go-to choice for many.
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g lean beef mince
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional but recommended)
- 1 can (400g) crushed Italian tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 500ml beef stock
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh if available)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 400g spaghetti (or tagliatelle for a traditional touch)
- Salt for boiling water
For Serving:
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef
Increase heat to medium-high and add the beef mince. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over.
3. Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the red wine, stir well, and let it reduce by half (about 3-4 minutes). This step enhances the depth of flavour.
4. Add Tomatoes & Simmer
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. For even richer flavour, simmer up to 2 hours. Add more stock if needed.
5. Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Finish with Parmesan
Before serving, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan directly into the sauce. This adds creaminess and enhances the flavour.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Plate the spaghetti, ladle the rich Bolognese sauce over the top, and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Slow-cooked for deep flavor
✔ Simple yet satisfying
✔ Works with different pasta types (spaghetti, tagliatelle, or pappardelle)
📌 Pro Tip: For an extra creamy touch, add a splash of milk near the end of cooking!
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