Irresistibly Easy Homemade Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese!

This Easy Homemade Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic comfort food that's perfect for cozy gatherings and busy weeknights.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Bolognese, comfort food, Easy Homemade Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese, family recipe, Pasta, spaghetti

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 1

Servings: servings

Calories: 450kcal

Equipment

Large Pot
Spatula

Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tbsp Olive Oil Adds richness to the sauce; can substitute with vegetable oil for a lighter option.
2 cloves Garlic Minced; provides essential aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is recommended for best results.
1 Onion Medium, finely chopped; creates the aromatic base of the sauce; yellow or sweet onions work best.
1 lb Beef Mince Main protein source providing a hearty texture; use ground turkey for a leaner option or plant-based meat for vegetarian version.
1/2 cup Dry Red Wine Enhances the sauce's depth; omit for non-alcoholic version or use vegetable broth instead.
2 Beef Bouillon Cubes Adds umami flavor to the sauce; substitute with vegetable bouillon for vegetarian recipes.
800 g Crushed Tomato Main component of the sauce; provides acidity and richness; fresh tomatoes can be used if in season.
2 tbsp Tomato Paste Intensifies tomato flavor; sun-dried tomato paste can add extra depth.
2 tsp White Sugar Balances acidity in the sauce; optional honey or maple syrup offers a natural sweetener.
2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce Adds a savory, umami-rich depth; soy sauce is a vegan-friendly option.
2 Dried Bay Leaves Infuses the sauce with subtle aromatic notes.
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Enhances overall flavor; substitute with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
3/4 tsp Cooking Salt Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust to taste and dietary needs.
1/2 tsp Black Pepper Provides mild heat; freshly ground pepper is preferred.

For the Pasta

400 g Dried Spaghetti The ideal pasta choice for this dish; gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

For Serving

Parmesan Cheese Optional; elevates the dish with cheesy richness.
Finely Chopped Parsley Optional; adds fresh color.

Instructions

Directions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to high, add 1 lb of beef mince, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5 minutes.
Add Wine: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry red wine, allowing it to simmer for 1 minute. This helps deglaze the pan, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in 800g of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 beef bouillon cubes, 2 teaspoons of white sugar, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 dried bay leaves, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water.
Slow Simmer for Enhanced Flavor (optional): For even richer flavor, add 3/4 cup of water, cover, and simmer on very low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid for the last 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Prepare Pasta: Cook 400g of dried spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions, minus 1 minute. Reserve some pasta water before draining. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, using reserved water to combine if needed.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a delightful finish.

Notes

Allow your sauce to simmer longer to develop deeper flavors. Don’t rush the process of browning the meat; it enhances the overall flavor. Experiment with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.

Nutrition