How to Make Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce

Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Spaghetti with Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian pasta dish loved worldwide for its hearty and comforting flavors. Made with a rich meat sauce simmered to perfection, this recipe is a timeless favorite for family meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 carrot (finely chopped)
• 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
• 1 lb (500g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (350g) spaghetti
• Salt (for boiling water)

For Serving:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

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Instructions

Making the Bolognese Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce:

1. Remove the bay leaf from the Bolognese sauce.
2. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serving:

• Plate the spaghetti and top with extra sauce.
• Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil leaves for an authentic Italian touch.
• Pair with a glass of red wine or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.