Last updated on June 25th, 2018 at 09:19 pm
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian meat sauce that is a staple in most families. My super simple Spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect dinner for any night of the week and will wow your family or guests.
Spaghetti Bolognese is one of those recipes that takes me back to my 20’s. It was one of those dishes that my sister used to make all the time and I’d always stop over for dinner and we’d have a big bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese. I can even go as far as saying that it was her specialty. The odd thing is that we loved to serve it with feta cheese, not Parmesan. If it sounds strange to you, don’t knock it till you try it.
But since then I’ve obviously learned to make it by myself and it’s one of those dishes that really everyone loves, including my husband who hates pasta. Nobody ever says no to a good comforting bowl of spaghetti Bolognese.
Spaghetti Bolognese is such a classy Italian dish with a meaty sauce and while I love to use ground beef for my sauce, you could combine beef and pork. You’ll also want to use a good dry red wine in the sauce, it will just give you a deeper rich flavor, but if you don’t want to use alcohol, simply substitute it with a low sodium beef broth.
I love to add a little bit of heavy cream to my Bolognese sauce to make it a bit creamier. I really think it makes a huge difference. You can try this with feta cheese as my sister and I would have it, but if you’re not that brave, I strongly recommend using some good freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lots of fresh basil to finish it off.
If you love this heart pasta dish, check out my Braised Beef Ragu Fettuccine.
It really is comfort in a bowl.
If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #jocooks on Instagram so we can see it. I always love to see what you guys come up with!
Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti uncooked
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef extra lean
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp oregano dried
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 2 tbsp basil chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper or to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Keep the pasta water, in case needed for sauce.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3 minutes, breaking it as you go, until no longer pink.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the oregano, red pepper flakes, tomato paste and stir. Stir in the red wine and cook for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid has cooked off.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, basil and season with salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a medium-low. Cover the pot and cook for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and adjust for seasoning if needed. If your sauce is too thick add some of the pasta water to thin it out.
- Add the spaghetti to the pot and toss well with the sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese and basil. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Hi Jo,
This looks so yummy and healthy. Going to try it soon for my 8 years old daughter. Hope she will love it.
This was delicious. I had some leftover pico de gallo that I tossed in with the tomatoes that added a definite kick. My husband LOVED it! Heβs already asked me to make it again.
That sounds awesome! Love the pico de gallo trick.
This is my families favorite Bolognese recipe! I’ve made it multiple times now, it’s on rotation in our house. In fact making this again tonight to my families delight.. perfection!!!
So glad you like it Sara!
hi if i wanted to use mince chicken should i use white wine?
I would still use red wine to get that rich bolognese flavor.
oh ok. thank you. my husband has diet restrictions but i know i can cook with white wine, not to sure about the red wine.
Can I leave cream out
Yes you can.
Hi just wondering how much 1 serving is? 1 cup? 2 cups? Thanks
About a cup and a half.
Love! Used buccatini and it was perfect. Recipe is on point with flavor layers……. thank you for a good midweek recipe.
Like my Mom made years ago. Excellent
Yay, I’m really craving for Spaghetti Bolognese now.
I almost forget how much I like it until I see your recipe again xD aww, I’d ask my Italian bf to cook this spaghetti for me tonight π
Hope you guys make it, it’s great!
Yess, we did! π
The kids just love Spag Bol! It’s so simple and quick to make as well. A great meal for during the week. I love you version with a touch of cream added. I haven’t done that before. Must try. Thanks for sharing. Definitely adding this to my Pinterest board.
Thanks, Crystal!
Excellent taste and super easy!
why is there a black rectangle above the recipe? should a video be there?
It does look really good.
Yes! If it doesn’t work try reloading your page, or you can find it on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKyqMWloiuc
I just made your Spaghetti Bolognese this morning. Wow! Thank you for posting. I have to say, the sauce is better than any Italian restaurant I have been t. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes. I plan on purchasing your cookbook. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Sherre! So happy you liked it. π
I have cooked for many Italians and they are always surprised at my creamy pasta. I cook it until almost done, then move it to a pan of melted butter and finish it off over medium heat, stirring all the while.
Joanna, this sounds really good! Do you think the sauce would freeze well. I have house guests coming and would like to do some make ahead meals.
Yes, you can, just place it in an air-tight container then freeze it. π
I have all the ingredients on hand, guess what’s for dinner?
I’m sure you’ll love it!
Does this ever look incredible! I have a good bottle of Chianti I’m going to try this with tonight.