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freshly made spaghetti bolognese in a beige dutch oven.
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4.55 from 173 votes

Spaghetti Bolognese

Dive into a plate of this hearty Spaghetti Bolognese, rich with robust flavors and a sauce that's reminiscent of cherished family dinners. It's the nostalgic taste of home, effortlessly inviting you back for seconds.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: bolognese, italian recipes, spaghetti bolognese
Servings: 6
Calories: 618kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef extra lean
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon oregano dried
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
  • 2 tablespoons basil chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons basil chopped, for garnish
US Customary - Metric

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

  1. Herbs: Fresh basil elevates the flavor, but in a pinch, dried basil (use half the amount) will do.
  2. Wine Substitute: If skipping the red wine, beef or vegetable broth can be used to add depth to the sauce.
  3. Creaminess Factor: For a richer taste, you can up the heavy cream, but remember, it's all about balance.
  4. Pasta: Spaghetti is the classic choice, but feel free to swap it out with fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you fancy. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 618kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 606mg | Potassium: 984mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 688IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 206mg | Iron: 5mg