Spaghetti Bolognese
A rich, slow-simmered meat sauce with ground beef, pork, and tomatoes, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This Italian-American classic is pure comfort food, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 100 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Soffritto
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery (this mixture is called a soffritto). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft and the onion is translucent, about 10-12 minutes. Do not rush this step, as it builds the flavor foundation.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Meats
- b.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- c.Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot.
- d.Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles. Cook until it's browned all over and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deglaze and Build the Sauce
- b.Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with your spoon. Let it bubble and cook until the wine has almost completely evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
- c.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- d.Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, whole milk, bay leaf, dried oregano, nutmeg, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Sauce
- b.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting.
- c.Cover the pot partially, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. This allows the sauce to thicken.
- d.Let the sauce simmer for at least 1.5 hours (90 minutes), or up to 3 hours for a deeper, more complex flavor. Stir every 20-30 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Spaghetti
- b.About 15 minutes before the sauce is finished, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- c.Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it is 'al dente' (firm to the bite).
- d.Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold for finishing the dish.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- c.Drain the spaghetti well and add it directly to the pot with the bolognese sauce.
- d.Toss everything together over low heat for about 1 minute, until the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency that clings to the pasta.
- e.Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, don't rush the simmering. A long, slow simmer is the secret to a truly rich and flavorful bolognese.
- 2Using a combination of beef and pork adds more complexity and richness than using beef alone. Pork provides fat and tenderness, while beef offers a deep, savory flavor.
- 3The milk helps to tenderize the meat and balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother, creamier sauce.
- 4Always save some of the starchy pasta water. It's emulsified with starch from the pasta and helps the sauce adhere perfectly to every strand.
- 5This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze half in an airtight container for up to 3 months for a quick weeknight meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Richer Flavor
For a more authentic and richer base, start by rendering 4 oz (115g) of finely chopped pancetta or bacon in the pot before adding the soffritto vegetables.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace the ground meat with 1 lb (450g) of finely chopped cremini mushrooms and 1 cup of cooked brown or green lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy (Arrabbiata Style)Spicy (Arrabbiata Style)
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in step 2 for a spicy kick.
Creamier SauceCreamier Sauce
For an even richer finish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the sauce at the very end, just before adding the pasta.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes in the sauce are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of ground beef and pork provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the spaghetti provide a steady source of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling meal.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
The soffritto base of onions, carrots, and celery, along with garlic and tomatoes, contributes essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Spaghetti Bolognese contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the exact fat content of the meat and the amount of cheese used. It's a hearty, energy-dense meal.