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Authentic Spaghetti Bolognese

A rich and flavorful Spaghetti Bolognese recipe, made with a slow-cooked meat sauce that is the perfect accompaniment to perfectly cooked spaghetti. This dish is a true Italian classic, sure to impress.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
2-3 hours
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 500 g Spaghetti
  • 500 g Ground beef
  • 100 g Pancetta (diced)
  • 1 Onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 Carrot (finely chopped)
  • 1 stalk Celery (finely chopped)
  • 125 ml Dry red wine
  • 700 g Canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 250 ml Beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Black pepper
  • For serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Vegetables

Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. This is known as a 'soffritto' and is the base for many Italian sauces. Dicing the pancetta into small pieces ensures it renders its fat nicely, adding depth to the sauce.

Browning the Meats

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Building the Sauce

Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Simmering to Perfection

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Cooking the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.

Serving

Serve the spaghetti topped with the Bolognese sauce and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe can be made healthier by using leaner ground beef, reducing the amount of pancetta, and using whole wheat spaghetti. Also, moderating the amount of Parmesan cheese added when serving will reduce the fat and calorie content.

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FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

    Yes, you can use a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal for a more complex flavor.
  • Can I freeze Spaghetti Bolognese?

    Yes, Spaghetti Bolognese freezes very well. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing. Cooked spaghetti can also be frozen, although its texture may change slightly upon thawing.
  • What is the best type of wine to use for Bolognese sauce?

    A dry red wine, such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or a similar Italian red wine, is ideal for Bolognese sauce.