Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. It features a rich and flavorful meat-based sauce served over cooked spaghetti. Originating from Bologna, Italy, the dish is also known as “Ragù alla Bolognese” or simply “Bolognese sauce.”

Cooking Time:

• Preparation time: Approximately 15 minutes
• Cooking time (for sauce): Minimum 30 minutes to 2 hours (for simmering)
• Cooking time (for spaghetti): Varies, depending on the brand, but typically 8-12 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese sauce:

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef (minced beef)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spaghetti:

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti noodles
• Salt for the pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2:

Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot, and sauté until they become translucent and aromatic.

Step 3:

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 4:

Once the beef is cooked, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5:

Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute or two to enhance the flavors.

Step 6:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, and red wine (if using). Stir everything together, bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 7:

Let the Bolognese sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1 to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 8:

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still slightly firm).

Step 9:

Drain the cooked spaghetti and return it to the pot.

Step 10:

Remove the bay leaf from the Bolognese sauce and taste it to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 11:

Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti. You can top it with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Overall, the dish can take around 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you choose to simmer the sauce. But the result is a delicious, hearty meal that will leave you and your guests satisfied!