Gourmet Spaghetti Bolognese: A Hearty, Comforting Classic

TheeHungryChef
Feb 2
4 min read

Updated: Feb 13

A Recipe by Emmy TheeHungryChef

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a plate of Spaghetti Bolognese which is of the ultimate quintessential Italian comfort food.. If you intend on cooking up something special for a relaxed weekend meal, or feeding a hungry family after a busy day or this Italian classic never fails to hit the spot. The rich, savory, and full of flavor, Bolognese sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and a splash of wine pairs perfectly with tender spaghetti, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. In this recipe, I’ll walk you through every step of making the perfect Bolognese, from sautéing the veggies to simmering the sauce to perfection. Plus, I'll leave you some pro cooking tips, wine pairing suggestions, and side dish ideas to take your meal to the next level.

Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell amazing!

Cooking Time: 1hr15

Serves: 4

Cooking Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
500g (1 lb) ground beef (you can also use a mix of pork and beef for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
1/2 cup whole milk or cream (to mellow out the acidity of tomatoes)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds richness)

For the Spaghetti:

400g (14 oz) spaghetti
Salt for boiling the pasta

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:  In a medium to large size pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and celery, and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Brown the Meat:  Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take around 5-8minutes.

3. Add the Tomato Paste and Wine:  Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize the paste. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot, and let it reduce for 3-4 minutes.

4. Simmer the Sauce:  Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir everything together, then lower the heat. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30minutes, stirring occasionally. For a more developed flavor, you can let it simmer for up to an hour If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.

5. Finish the Sauce:  Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, stir in the milk or cream, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

6. Cook the Spaghetti:  While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

7. Serve the Dish:  Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.

Bon Appétit

My Pro Cooking Tips For Achieving The Best Spaghetti Bolognese:

1. Don’t Rush the Simmering: The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will be. For the richest taste, aim for at least 45 minutes of slow cooking, but 2 hours is ideal if you have the time.

2. Use a Meat Mix: For an even richer flavor, mix ground beef with ground pork or veal. The pork adds sweetness and tenderness, while the beef brings depth to the sauce.

3. Don’t Skimp on the Wine: If you’re using wine, make sure it’s a good one you’d enjoy drinking. It contributes significantly to the depth of flavor, and low-quality wine will affect the taste of the sauce.

4. Add Milk or Cream: A small amount of dairy helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture.

5. Make Ahead for Maximum Flavor: Like many slow-cooked sauces, Bolognese actually tastes better the next day. Make a batch in advance and reheat it for an even richer flavor.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With Spaghetti Bolognese:

1. Garlic Bread: The perfect accompaniment for sopping up the rich, meaty sauce. Toasted with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley.

2. Italian Salad: A fresh salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. The freshness cuts through the richness of the Bolognese.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant are fantastic sides that complement the savory flavor of the Bolognese sauce.

4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables can provide a great pre-meal snack.