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Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
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Classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty Italian comfort meal featuring a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce made from lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This timeless recipe delivers deep, layered flavors and a satisfying texture that makes for a cozy and versatile dinner suitable for family gatherings or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 500g lean ground beef

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced

Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 125ml red wine
  • 400g canned crushed or whole tomatoes
  • 120ml milk or cream

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh basil leaves (to taste)
  • Fresh oregano (to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 400g spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery into even, small pieces to ensure uniform cooking and a flavorful base for your sauce.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, cooking gently until soft and fragrant without browning, to develop natural sweetness.
  3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook thoroughly until browned on all sides, releasing juices that add richness to the sauce.
  4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and simmer, scraping the pan’s bottom to lift browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce until its sharpness mellows, enriching the sauce’s flavor.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in canned tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and herbs. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least one hour so all flavors meld beautifully.
  6. Finish with Milk: Toward the end of cooking, pour in milk or cream to soften the acidity and create a smooth, silky texture in the sauce.
  7. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, ready for serving.
  8. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with a generous amount of Bolognese sauce. Plate immediately and optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Simmer the sauce gently for at least one hour to develop deep, rich flavors.
  • Use fresh garlic, herbs, and quality canned tomatoes for best taste.
  • Include red wine to add essential acidity and richness to the sauce.
  • Adding milk or cream balances tomato acidity and creates a smoother texture.
  • Chop vegetables evenly for uniform cooking and harmonious texture.
  • Let the sauce rest a few minutes after cooking to enhance flavor absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, Italian, pasta sauce, ground beef sauce, classic Italian recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/classic-spaghetti-bolognese/