Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Italy) – Authentic Italian Pasta Recipe

Spaghetti Bolognese (Italy) – Few dishes capture the essence of Italian home cooking quite like Spaghetti Bolognese (Italy). Originating from the city of Bologna, this iconic dish combines tender spaghetti noodles with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and a touch of wine. It’s comfort food at its finest — hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisines: Italian
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4
Calories: 590 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot

• Skillet or deep saucepan

• Wooden spoon

• Knife and cutting board

• Colander

• Ladle or serving spoon

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• ½ cup red wine (optional but recommended)

• 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• ½ cup milk or cream (for richness)

For the Pasta:

• 350g (12 oz) spaghetti

• Water for boiling

• Salt for pasta water

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

• Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)

Nutrition Facts

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base Vegetables
Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery — the soffritto — and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Allow the meat to caramelize slightly — this step adds a deep, savory flavor to the sauce. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This enhances the richness and depth of flavor. (You can skip the wine or replace it with beef broth if preferred.)

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.

Step 5: Simmer for Flavor
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should reduce, thickening the sauce and intensifying the flavors. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

Step 6: Add Milk for Creaminess
Stir in the milk or cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This step mellows the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a velvety texture.

Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 8: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the sauce. Toss gently, adding a little pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Plate the spaghetti, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

1. Use a mix of meats: Combining ground beef and pork adds a richer flavor.

2. Don’t rush the simmer: The longer the sauce cooks, the more the flavors meld together.

3. Balance acidity: A touch of sugar or milk smooths out the tomato tang.

4. Use quality tomatoes: Good canned or fresh tomatoes make a big difference.

5. Reserve pasta water: The starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti Bolognese (Italy) is a culinary treasure that embodies the spirit of Italian cooking — simple ingredients, slow preparation, and deep flavor. Every forkful tells a story of tradition, family, and passion. It’s not just a pasta dish; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl.