Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta dish made with tender spaghetti tossed in a rich and flavorful meat sauce. Slow-simmered with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, this comforting meal is perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight cooking.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 350 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 120 g carrot, finely diced
- 400 g canned diced tomatoes
- 25 g tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 150 ml water or beef broth
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 10 g fresh parsley, chopped
- 40 g grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrot into very small cubes so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
2. Sauté the Onion
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add the onion with a small pinch of salt and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Carrots
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the diced carrots and cook for another 4–5 minutes.
4. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
5. Season and Add Tomato Paste
Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
6. Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes, water or broth, and add the bay leaf if using.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well.
Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta perfectly.
9. Serve
Serve hot topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
