A Delicious and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
This recipe will guide you through making a classic, flavourful spaghetti bolognese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (mirepoix)
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavour)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions: Building Your Bolognese Masterpiece
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables (Mirepoix)
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is known as making a mirepoix, a foundational step in many delicious sauces.
Step 2: Browning the Meat
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor.
Step 3: Infusing Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. The aromas at this stage are truly captivating!
Step 4: Simmering the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or even longer for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! Stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cooking the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Don't forget to salt your pasta water generously; it's crucial for flavor!
Step 6: Combining and Serving
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and add it to the pot with the Bolognese sauce. Toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese:
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Low and slow is key to developing a deep, complex flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed: This is your chance to personalize the recipe to your liking.
- Add a splash of cream at the end (optional): This adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Serve with a side salad: A fresh salad perfectly complements the richness of the Bolognese.
SEO Keywords Used:
spaghetti bolognese, recipe, easy spaghetti bolognese, best spaghetti bolognese, how to make spaghetti bolognese, delicious spaghetti bolognese, Bolognese sauce, Italian food, weeknight dinner, family recipe
This detailed recipe, packed with SEO keywords and optimized for readability, is sure to attract a large audience searching for a delicious and easy spaghetti bolognese recipe. Remember to share your culinary creations!
