This Spaghetti Alla Bolognese (easy recipe) is a simple yet classic and hearty Italian dish that has become a favorite in many households around the world. It features a rich and savory meat sauce served over a bed of cooked spaghetti, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The dish originated in Bologna, Italy, and its traditional preparation involves slow-cooking a flavorful sauce that combines ground meat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices.
For more pasta and noodle dishes see our recipe collection here.
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Reasons to Love This Pasta Bolognese
- Rich Flavor Profile: The slow-cooked sauce allows the flavors of the meat, tomatoes, onions, and herbs to meld together, creating a rich and savory taste that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Versatility: You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a meaty sauce, a vegetarian version, or want to experiment with different types of pasta, spaghetti Bolognese is adaptable to various tastes.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is relatively simple and doesn’t require advanced culinary skills. It’s a great option for home cooks, including beginners, who want to prepare a delicious and hearty meal.
- Family-Friendly: Spaghetti Bolognese is a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. It’s a great option for family dinners or gatherings where you need a universally enjoyed dish.
- Leftover Potential: The flavors often develop even more after sitting, making it a fantastic leftover dish. You can refrigerate or freeze any extra sauce for future quick and easy meals.
- Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a plate of spaghetti Bolognese. It’s a warm and filling dish that can provide a sense of comfort and satisfaction.
- Balanced Meal: With the combination of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the pasta, and the nutritional benefits of tomatoes and herbs, spaghetti Bolognese provides a well-rounded and wholesome meal.
- Aromatic and Inviting: As the sauce simmers, the aromas of garlic, onions, and herbs fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that heightens the anticipation of a delicious meal.
- Classic Appeal: Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless classic with a global appeal. Its popularity spans cultures, making it a go-to choice for many who appreciate good, hearty food.
- Great for Batch Cooking: The recipe can be easily scaled up, making it ideal for batch cooking. Prepare a larger quantity and freeze portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
INGREDIENTS LIST
Step-By-Step Process To Make Spaghetti Alla Bolognese (easy recipe)
Looking for a vegan bolognese recipe? Try this delicious tofu bolognese from Six Hungry Feet.
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Spaghetti Alla Bolognese (easy recipe)
Quick and easy spaghetti bolognese with few ingredients
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Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 583kcal
Equipment
- 2 Sauce pans
- 1 Colander for draining pasta
Ingredients
Bolognese Sauce
- 1 Tablespoons Olive Oil see note #4
- 1 Onion medium-sized, diced – See note #1
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic minced
- 1 pound Ground Beef (about 400 to 450 g) see note #4
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g) diced or crushed see note #2
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Oregano
- 1/2 cup Water see note #3
Spaghetti
- 8 oz Spaghetti (225 g)
- 6 cups Water
- 2 Tablespoons Salt
For Garnish (Optional)
- 2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- Basil Leaves fresh
Instructions
Bolognese Sauce
- In a deep saucepan or skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the onions are softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in the water (or broth, if using) and simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 20, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
Prepare Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- b. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
- c. Drain the cooked spaghetti and set aside.
Assemble
- Option 1: Place a portion of cooked spaghetti on each serving plate. Spoon some bolognese sauce over it.
- Option 2: Add cooked spaghetti to the bolognese sauce and toss well. This will make sure the pasta absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Note #1: Onions: I have used white onion. Any variety like red or brown is also fine.Â
Note #2: Tomatoes: I have used diced canned tomatoes. You can also use whole canned tomatoes, passata, or freshly chopped tomatoes. 1 (14.5-ounce) can equals approximately 3-4 medium tomatoes, or about 1 pound (450 g)Â
Note #3: To add more depth of flavor, you can also use beef or chicken broth. If you do, adjust the salt as per taste.Â
Nutrition
Calories: 583kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1381mg | Potassium: 809mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 244IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 5mg
Disclaimer
Nutrition facts are estimates. Always check with your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
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Disclaimer:
Nutritional Panel: Our nutritional values are calculated by Spooncular API. While we try our best to ensure these values are correct, please confirm these independently.
All information on our website is for general information only. Please seek advice from medical professionals to check if a diet, particular food, allergens, or a way of eating is suitable for you.
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