Simple and Delicious Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce Recipe You Can Make at Home

Gelie Esportuno-Haferbecker
7 days ago
4 min read

There's nothing quite like a plate of spaghetti with Bolognese sauce to evoke feelings of comfort and satisfaction especially if cooked by your loved ones. This beloved Italian dish is simple yet offers a rich flavor that appeals to everyone. As much as possible, I would not order this dish in any other restaurant - only if my husband cooks it. Now, we are sharing how we make our Bolognese sauce at home.

Whether you are cooking for yourself, a cozy family dinner, or entertaining friends, this recipe will create a meal that impresses. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps of crafting a mouthwatering Bolognese sauce that pairs beautifully with spaghetti.

What is Bolognese Sauce?

Bolognese sauce, known as "ragù alla Bolognese," hails from Bologna, Italy. It is a hearty meat sauce made primarily from ground beef, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and red wine. One of the most remarkable features of Bolognese sauce is its rich, developed flavor, making it the perfect sauce for pasta. Statistics show that spaghetti is the most popular pasta type globally, and when paired with this classic sauce, it becomes a meal that stands out.

Ingredients You'll Need

To create your delicious spaghetti with Bolognese sauce, gather the following ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 500g ground pork/beef (or a mix of both)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 1 carrot, finely chopped

- Mushrooms (optional)

- 2 slices of ginger

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (if available)

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 50ml white wine (or red wine)

- 250 ml chicken broth

- Lemon Zest

- 2 Bay leaves

- 750g tomato sauce

- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

- a pinch of Sugar

- a pinch Cayenne Pepper/Paprika

- a pinch of Bohnen Kraut/Beans Herb (optional)

- a pinch Ras El Hanout (optional)

- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

For the Spaghetti:

- 400g spaghetti

- Salt for boiling water

- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Preparing the Bolognese Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Meat

In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork/beef (or a mix of both) to the pot. Break it apart until it has lost its pink color, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, and carrot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the carrots are soft and the onion is translucent.

This initial step is crucial as it builds a foundational flavor for your sauce. A mix of these vegetables, can increase the sauce's flavor profile significantly.

Step 3: Incorporate the Tomato Paste and Wine

Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato paste, and wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a steady simmer, then add the chicken broth, lemon zest, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, tomato sauce, pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, sugar, and dried oregano.

Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Research suggests that letting the sauce simmer longer—up to an hour—can intensify the flavors and make it even more delicious.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Cooking the Spaghetti

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.

Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure the pasta does not stick together. Did you know that cooking pasta in well-salted water can enhance its flavor? Aim for about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4-5 liters of water.

We used a homemade spaghetti in which, we will share it to another blog.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pot with the Bolognese sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce stick to the pasta, creating a delicious coating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your spaghetti with Bolognese sauce hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

For a well-rounded meal, pair it with a fresh side salad and some crusty bread.

Tips for the Perfect Bolognese Sauce

Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality ingredients can noticeably improve the taste of your sauce. Invest in fresh vegetables and organic ground meat when possible.
Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the sauce to simmer for as long as you can. This not only enhances the flavors but also helps develop a rich consistency.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to explore by adding other ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a splash of cream for a unique twist.

Savoring Italian Comfort

Making spaghetti with Bolognese sauce at home is not just a cooking task; it's an invitation to enjoy a delicious Italian classic. With straightforward ingredients, patience, and attention to detail, you can create a flavorful dish that delights both family and friends.

Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to dish up a satisfying meal that promises to have everyone coming back for more!