Savor every bite of a classic Italian dish featuring pasta, meat sauce, and nutty Parmesan cheese.
For anyone who wants to perfect the art of Italian cooking, spaghetti Bolognese should be a mandatory part of your repertoire. Granted, the modern version of spaghetti Bolognese that’s enjoyed in the U.S. isn’t exactly the same as the dish that has roots in Bologna, Italy, in the late 19th century (more on that later). However, the core ingredients are largely the same. Most importantly, making spaghetti Bolognese is one of the best ways to enjoy a hearty Italian-inspired meal at home.
My favorite part of this recipe is that the Bolognese sauce isn’t spread on top of the spaghetti. Instead, the cooked spaghetti goes straight into the pot where the sauce was prepared. The result is a rich and savory dish that isn’t purely about the pasta. It’s also about the meat, veggies, and seasonings that contribute texture and flavor to the Bolognese.
Is Spaghetti Bolognese Healthy?
With a good mix of lean meat and veggies, spaghetti Bolognese has a decent amount of nutritional value. The lean ground beef makes this dish a good source of protein without adding too much fat, while the tomatoes and onions—and any other veggies you want to add—also add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to the dish. Of course, if you want to cut down on carbs and make spaghetti Bolognese a little healthier, you can substitute regular spaghetti for whole wheat pasta, spaghetti squash, or zucchini noodles.
Create A Richer Bolognese
With a few tweaks, you can add to the richness and complexity of spaghetti Bolognese. One thing to consider is adding extra vegetables. Personally, I think carrots fit perfectly with the rest of the ingredients. You can also add zucchini, celery, and mushrooms based on your taste. In fact, mushrooms are a great substitute for meat if you want a vegetarian-friendly dish. On the other hand, you can use only half a pound of beef and substitute the other half with pork, bacon, or diced pancetta to pack this dish with two bold types of meat. Finally, adding half a cup of red wine to the pot can give the dish an even richer taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover spaghetti Bolognese can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. Alternatively, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
With spaghetti Bolognese, sometimes all you need is a salad on the side. Personally, I love pairing Bolognese with a replica of Olive Garden’s Salad. But I also understand why some people may prefer a Caprese Salad or a Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad. Of course, you also can’t go wrong with an Italian Salad or by simply throwing together your own salad with homemade Italian Salad Dressing on top. In the event that you’re still hungry after dinner, I recommend making Chocolate Biscotti With Crushed Candy Canes for dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese grated (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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