Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. This hearty, slow-cooked sauce is rich with the flavors of ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and tomatoes, all simmered together to create a savory and satisfying meal. The Bolognese sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, offering a perfect balance of meaty, tangy, and subtly sweet notes in every bite. This dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends, as it’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a truly comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Salt for the pasta water
For Serving:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Bolognese Sauce:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the milk and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it is mostly absorbed. Add the white wine and simmer until reduced by half.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For the best flavor, let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- About 15 minutes before the sauce is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
- Combine and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the Bolognese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce is a comforting and hearty meal that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. Its rich, meaty sauce paired with tender spaghetti makes it a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering warmth and comfort in every bite.
