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How can you cook a simple Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe?

When you’re craving a hearty, delicious meal that the entire family will love, Spaghetti Bolognese is always a great choice.

This timeless Italian recipe brings together savory ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this simple recipe guarantees satisfying results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spaghetti Bolognese is a family favorite for several reasons:

Classic Comfort Food: A deliciously rich, meaty sauce poured over perfectly cooked pasta that will fill you up and warm you from the inside out.
Easy to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Kid-Friendly: With its familiar flavors, this dish is sure to please even picky eaters. Plus, it’s easily customizable!

Plate of spaghetti bolognese topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Claire

A hearty Italian classic featuring al dente spaghetti topped with a rich and savory meat sauce.

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz spaghetti (approx. 3/4 lb)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
16 oz ground beef (1 lb)
14 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
14 oz spaghetti

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic minced

Brown the Ground Beef:

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
16 oz ground beef

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
14 oz can crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer the Sauce:

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the Bolognese sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Serve:

Divide the spaghetti among serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Notes

One thing I learned over the years is how important it is to let the sauce simmer slowly. The longer it simmers, the richer and more developed the flavor becomes. Don’t rush it, even though it’s tempting to want to eat it right away! Trust me, the wait is totally worth it.

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Tips for Success

While the basic recipe for Simple Spaghetti Bolognese is already delicious, there are several ways to customize it to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas to take your dish to the next level:

Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

Try incorporating finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add extra layers of flavor. Just sauté them along with the onion at the beginning of the recipe for a well-rounded sauce.

Go for a Leaner Meat Option

Consider swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. These alternatives will give the sauce a leaner profile while still providing that satisfying meaty flavor. Just note that turkey or chicken may require a bit more seasoning to match the richness of beef.

Experiment with Herbs

If you want to add a fresh twist to your spaghetti Bolognese, experiment with different herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of red pepper flakes can transform the flavor of your sauce.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: ~600 per serving
Protein: ~0.7 oz
Carbohydrates: ~1.8 oz

Rich Bolognese sauce simmering in a skillet with onions, garlic, and ground beef. — Simmering Bolognese sauce in the skillet, combining ground beef, onions, and garlic for a flavorful base.

My Personal Tip: Avoid Overcooking the Pasta

One of the most common mistakes I’ve made while making spaghetti Bolognese (and seen others make) is overcooking the pasta. It might seem like a small detail, but it can really affect the texture of the dish.

A great way to avoid this is by timing your pasta to be done just a few minutes before your sauce is ready. Then, when you toss the pasta with the sauce, the heat from the pasta will help thicken the sauce a little more and create that perfect binding texture.

It’s a small trick that will make a big difference!

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Simple Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe – A Comforting Dinner Favorite