Description
A comforting and nourishing Spaghetti Bolognese recipe that brings the family to the table with its rich flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
2 Carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 Celery Stalks, finely chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup Beef Broth
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1 Bay Leaf
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
1 pound Spaghetti or your preferred pasta
Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Start by finely chopping the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince your garlic
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Brown it thoroughly, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat
- Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the bay leaf. Stir well and bring to a simmer
- Season and Slow Cook: Reduce to low; cover partially and simmer for at least 1 hour, ideally 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally
- Cook the Spaghetti: About 15-20 minutes before the sauce is done, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and reserve pasta water
- Combine and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce or serve individually. Garnish as desired
Notes
For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for traditional spaghetti.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 8-10 g
- Sodium: 500-600 mg
- Fat: 18-22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11-13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
- Fiber: 5-7 g
- Protein: 30-35 g
- Cholesterol: 60-80 mg
