Intro:
This Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty, classic Italian-inspired recipe made with rich tomato sauce and flavorful ground beef. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners, easy to prepare, and always satisfying. Serve it with pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a complete meal.
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish
🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- Add 1 lb of ground beef to the pan.
- Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (about 6–8 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Add Tomato Base and Seasoning
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.
- Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The sauce will thicken and develop a rich flavor.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
✅ Tips for the Best Bolognese:
- Grated carrot adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Simmer longer for even richer flavor if time allows.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
