Spaghetti Bolognese

Here’s a classic, hearty Spaghetti Bolognese recipe — rich, meaty, and full of deep Italian flavor. 🍝🇮🇹

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Spaghetti Bolognese

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45–60 minutes

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, finely diced

• 2 celery stalks, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup (250 ml) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 cup (125 ml) beef broth or red wine

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp oregano + ½ tsp basil)

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Cook the base:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

   • Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

   • Add garlic and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Brown the meat:

   • Add ground beef (or beef/pork mix).

   • Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add tomato ingredients:

   • Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth or red wine.

   • Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).

4. Simmer:

   • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

   • Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   • The sauce will thicken and deepen in flavor.

5. Cook spaghetti:

   • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water according to package directions.

   • Drain and toss lightly with olive oil.

6. Serve:

   • Spoon sauce over spaghetti.

   • Top with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.

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Tips & Variations:

• 🍷 Richer flavor: Use red wine for depth — it adds beautiful complexity.

• 🧈 Silky texture: Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for a glossy finish.

• 🍅 Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

• 🧀 Cheesy twist: Mix a handful of Parmesan into the sauce before serving.

• ⏳ Make-ahead: The sauce tastes even better the next day — perfect for meal prep!

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Would you like me to give you a slow cooker version or a vegetarian lentil Bolognese next?