Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that’s hearty and satisfying. Here’s a traditional recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce Base:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) to the skillet.
- Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan (optional):
- If using wine, pour it into the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Dairy and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the milk and cook until it has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce until well combined.
- Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Enjoy your classic Spaghetti Bolognese!
