How To Prepare Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless favorite—a combination of tender meat sauce, aromatic herbs, and al dente pasta. This classic Italian dish features rich meat sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Preparation Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped (brown, yellow, or white)
• 1 pound beef mince (ground beef) or a combination of beef and pork
• ½ cup dry red wine (substitute with water or beef broth/stock)
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (crumbled or granulated beef bouillon)
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons white sugar (if needed)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 400 grams dried spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
   • Add the beef mince to the saucepan. Cook until browned (about 2 minutes).
3. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
   • Pour in the dry red wine. Let it simmer for a minute.
   • Crumble the beef bouillon cubes into the mixture.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar (if needed), Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes (or longer if you have time). The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   • Toss the cooked spaghetti in the Bolognese sauce until well coated.
   • Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Cook’s Note:

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a longer duration.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 510 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Dietary Fiber: 6 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Vitamin C: 80% of daily recommended intake
• Calcium: 15% of daily recommended intake
• Iron: 20% of daily recommended intake

Enjoy your comforting Spaghetti Bolognese! 🍝🍅🧀