Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe: A Hearty Pasta Dinner Worth Sharing

There are some recipes that feel like a warm hug at the dinner table, and spaghetti Bolognese is definitely one of them. It’s rich, comforting, and one of those dishes that can make the whole kitchen smell incredible while it simmers away. In the U.S., “Spaghetti Bolognese” is practically a weeknight staple — a plate piled high with pasta, coated in a meaty tomato sauce, maybe sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving a bowl of comfort food, this dish always delivers.

🥘 Ingredients

For the Bolognese sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for richer flavor)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or red wine, optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• Salted water for boiling

For serving:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Start with the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5–7 minutes). This is your flavor foundation.
2. Brown the meat: Add ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Build the sauce: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Pour in beef broth (or wine if using). Give everything a good stir.
4. Simmer low and slow: Reduce heat to low, cover slightly, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30–40 minutes. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor gets. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.
5. Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain (reserve a little pasta water).
6. Combine: Toss spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to coat evenly.
7. Serve: Plate up generous portions, sprinkle with Parmesan, and garnish with fresh herbs.

🕒 Time & Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour
• Servings: 4 hearty portions

✨ Recipe Notes

• Want extra depth? Use half ground beef and half ground pork.
• If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Fresh herbs (like basil or thyme) can replace dried ones for brighter flavor.
• Gluten-free pasta works perfectly if that’s your preference.

🥶 Storage Tips

One of the best things about Bolognese is how well it stores.

• Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Freezer: Store cooled sauce (without pasta) in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pro tip: Freeze in single portions for easy weeknight dinners.

📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)

(values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used)

💡 Extra Tips to Make It Perfect

• Let the sauce simmer longer if you have time — even up to 2 hours. The flavors get deeper and richer.
• Stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end for a silkier texture (an old Italian trick).
• Always cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t go mushy when tossed with sauce.

🍷 How to Serve

Spaghetti Bolognese is a meal in itself, but you can make it extra special:

• Add a side of garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
• Pair with a crisp green salad for freshness.
• If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of red wine (like Chianti) goes beautifully.

🔪 Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife and chopping board
• Large pot for pasta
• Colander for draining
• Ladle for serving

❓ FAQs

1. Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

2. What pasta shapes go best with Bolognese sauce?
Traditionally, Italians use tagliatelle, but spaghetti works perfectly. Rigatoni and penne also hold the sauce well.

3. Can I swap beef for turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version, though the flavor will be milder.

4. Why does Bolognese taste better after sitting overnight?
The sauce has time to develop and absorb flavors, giving it a richer, more balanced taste.

5. How do I thicken my Bolognese sauce?
Simmer it uncovered for longer, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Spaghetti Bolognese isn’t just a recipe — it’s one of those comforting meals that feels like home. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet cozy and satisfying enough to serve when friends drop by. Once you try making it from scratch, it’s hard to go back to jarred sauces. So grab your pasta pot, let the sauce bubble away, and enjoy a bowl of this hearty classic.