The aroma of a Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly evening, inviting you to gather around the dinner table. Picture this: perfectly cooked spaghetti nestled under a rich, savory meat sauce, all topped with freshly grated Parmesan that melts into the warmth of the dish. It’s not just food; it’s an experience wrapped in comfort and nostalgia.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What kind of pasta works best with Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese?
- Can I make Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese vegetarian?
- How long does Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese last in the fridge?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I have fond memories of my first attempt at making Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese. I was determined to impress my friends for our weekly pasta night. Little did I know that my kitchen would turn into a scene straight out of a cooking show—minus the glamorous chef and with slightly more chaos. The laughter and satisfied smiles that followed made it all worth it, and now I can’t help but share this delightful recipe with you. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for pasta recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese is easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavor will delight your taste buds and impress your guests
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Enjoy it as a comforting family meal or dress it up for special occasions
I remember the first time I served this dish; my friends devoured it and even requested seconds, which was quite the compliment!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti: Use high-quality pasta for the best texture; look for durum wheat spaghetti for that perfect bite.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option while still keeping that juicy flavor intact.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; make sure to chop it finely so it melds well into the sauce.
Carrot: Finely diced carrots add natural sweetness and color; they also provide essential nutrients.
Celery: Chopped celery brings crunchiness; select fresh stalks for maximum flavor.
Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes or tomato passata for a smooth consistency; they are key for creating a rich sauce.
Red Wine: A splash of red wine deepens the flavor profile; choose one you’d enjoy drinking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic depth; mince them finely for an even distribution in the sauce.
Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme elevates the dish’s flavor; use dried or fresh depending on availability.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds that final touch of indulgence; always opt for real Parmesan over pre-grated versions.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften and release their fragrant aroma—about 5-7 minutes.
Browning the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned thoroughly while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon—this usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (around 1 minute). Then pour in crushed tomatoes along with red wine—let everything simmer together beautifully.
Seasoning with Herbs: Sprinkle in Italian herbs along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently on low heat for about 20-30 minutes—this enhances those flavors as they meld together.
Cooking Spaghetti Perfectly: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente—drain well but reserve some pasta water just in case.
Tossing Together**: Once both components are ready, combine cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce in your skillet. Toss gently until well coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Now dig into that delicious Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese! Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad if you’re feeling fancy (or just hungry). delicious dessert option Enjoy every satisfying bite!
You Must Know
- Cooking a Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese is all about layering flavors
- Sautéing your onions and garlic first creates a fragrant base that makes the sauce unforgettable
- Remember, a splash of red wine adds depth that’s hard to resist
- Enjoy every bite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground meat, then add veggies and cook until tender. Simmer the sauce while boiling pasta for perfect timing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Fresh herbs elevate the dish beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use high-quality tomatoes; they make a world of difference in flavor
- Don’t rush the simmering process; let the sauce develop its personality
- Adding a pinch of sugar can balance acidity beautifully
Cooking my first Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese was a disaster, but friends loved it anyway! Their laughter made it memorable and encouraged me to keep trying.
FAQ
What kind of pasta works best with Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese?
Any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine pairs wonderfully with this rich sauce.
Can I make Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
How long does Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese last in the fridge?
It typically lasts about four days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the warmth of Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese, where perfectly cooked spaghetti meets a rich, savory meat sauce. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this dish is not just a meal—it’s a delightful experience that brings friends and family together.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup red wine
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Increase heat to medium-high; add ground beef. Cook for 7–10 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in minced garlic; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and red wine; let simmer for 20–30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in a pot. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with Bolognese sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1½ cups)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg