Oh, spaghetti bolognese! Just saying the words brings back so many memories. There’s something so incredibly comforting about a big pot of rich, meaty sauce bubbling away on the stove, filling the whole house with that amazing aroma. This isn’t just any bolognese; this is my go-to Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese recipe that I’ve tweaked and perfected over the years. It’s the kind of meal that just makes everything feel right in the world, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you just need a hug in a bowl. I honestly can’t remember a time without it – it’s been a staple at our family dinners forever!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
Okay, so why should you make *this* bolognese? Trust me, it’s worth it! Here’s the scoop:
- Unbeatable Flavor: It’s got that deep, rich taste you only get from real, slow-simmered sauce.
- Super Comforting: This is pure comfort food, the kind that warms you up from the inside out.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters usually gobble this up! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: Seriously, it’s not complicated at all. Most of the work is just letting it simmer.
- Makes Your Kitchen Smell Amazing: That aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs? Pure bliss!
Quick and Easy Preparation for Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
Life is busy, I get it! That’s why I love this recipe so much. The prep time is really manageable, usually just about 15 minutes to chop up those veggies. You can totally get it going even on a weeknight. Once everything’s in the pot, it’s mostly hands-off simmering, which means you can actually relax or tackle other things while dinner is making itself. It proves you don’t need hours of complicated work to get a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Rich and Authentic Flavor Profile
Oh, the flavor! This bolognese sauce is something special. It’s that perfect balance of savory beef, sweet tomatoes, and those lovely aromatics like garlic and oregano. When it simmers low and slow, all those flavors really meld together beautifully. You get this deep, complex taste that just screams “Italian comfort.” The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water, and each bite is just so satisfying and hearty. It’s got that authentic, homemade taste that you just can’t beat.
Gather Your Ingredients for Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
Alright, let’s get this party started! For my signature Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese, you’ll want to grab a few key things. Don’t worry, they’re all pretty standard and easy to find. For the best flavor, I always try to use good quality ingredients because, honestly, it really does make a difference!
Essential Vegetables for the Bolognese Base
First up, we need our flavor builders! You’ll want one nice big onion, chopped up super fine. Then, grab two carrots and two celery stalks, also finely chopped. I know, I know, chopping veggies can feel like a chore, but trust me, getting them nice and small helps them melt right into the sauce and adds this amazing depth of flavor. It’s the classic Italian soffritto, the foundation of so many delicious dishes!
The Heart of the Sauce: Ground Beef and Tomatoes
Now for the main event! We’re using 500 grams of good quality ground beef. Make sure it’s not too lean, a little fat adds so much flavor and helps keep the sauce moist. And you absolutely need a 400-gram can of good chopped tomatoes. I usually go for San Marzano if I can find them, but any good quality ones will do. They give the sauce that perfect sweet and tangy tomato base that we all love.
Flavor Enhancers for Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
To really make this bolognese sing, we need a few more goodies. Two cloves of garlic, minced up nice and small, are a must – cook them just until fragrant, don’t let them burn! Then, we’ll add about 150ml of beef broth for richness, a teaspoon of dried oregano for that classic Italian herb vibe, and of course, salt and black pepper to taste. I always season as I go!
Pasta and Topping Essentials
And of course, what’s bolognese without spaghetti? You’ll need about 300 grams of your favorite spaghetti. Cook it up nice and al dente! And for serving? Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable. It just adds that perfect salty, nutty finish that ties everything together. Seriously, don’t skip the good Parmesan!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making this Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese is totally doable, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in no time.
Building the Flavor Base
First things first, grab a nice big pot or a Dutch oven. We want something that can hold all that goodness! Heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them cook down for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring them around until they start to get nice and soft. Then, add your 500 grams of ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and just let it brown all over. Once the beef is no longer pink, stir in your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can really smell it – yum!
Simmering the Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce
Now for the magic! Pour in your 400 grams of chopped tomatoes and the 150ml of beef broth. Give it a good stir to get all those tasty bits off the bottom of the pot. Then, add your teaspoon of dried oregano, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the whole thing up to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat way down to low, pop a lid on, and let it do its thing for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, if you can let it go for an hour, the flavor gets even deeper and richer. Just remember to give it a stir every now and then so nothing sticks!
Perfecting Your Pasta
While that gorgeous sauce is simmering away, it’s time to cook your spaghetti. Just follow the directions on the package – you want it cooked al dente, which means it still has a little bite to it. Don’t overcook it! Once it’s done, give it a good drain in the colander. Easy peasy!
Assembling and Serving Your Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
Okay, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Ladle that rich, hearty bolognese sauce right over your perfectly cooked spaghetti. Make sure everyone gets a good amount of that delicious sauce. And for the grand finale? A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right on top. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Tips for the Best Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
You know, a few little tricks can really take this classic bolognese from great to absolutely unforgettable. It’s all about those small touches that make a big difference!
Achieving Deeper Flavor in Your Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
Want to really amp up that flavor? My absolute favorite trick is adding a splash of red wine when you add the tomatoes and broth. Let it bubble away for a minute or two to cook off the alcohol, and it adds this incredible depth and complexity. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! Another little secret? Toss in a bay leaf while the sauce is simmering. It just adds this subtle, earthy note that makes everything taste even more authentic and homemade. Just remember to fish it out before serving!
Making Ahead and Storing Your Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
The best part about this sauce? It actually tastes *better* the next day! So, feel free to make it ahead of time. Once it’s cooled down, just pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep perfectly well for about 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. You can even freeze portions for those nights when you need a quick, delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
Got questions about my favorite Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian. Instead of ground beef, try using crumbled firm or extra-firm tofu, or a good quality plant-based ground “meat” alternative. You might want to season the vegetarian protein a little extra with some Italian herbs or a pinch of smoked paprika to give it a nice savory flavor. The rest of the steps stay pretty much the same, and it’s still incredibly delicious!
How long can I store leftover Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese?
This sauce is a superstar for leftovers! Once it’s cooled down completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Honestly, I find it often tastes even better the second day as all those flavors have more time to meld together. It’s perfect for lunches or another quick dinner!
What is the best way to reheat Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese?
Reheating is super simple! The best way is usually on the stovetop. Just scoop your leftover sauce into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Give it a stir occasionally until it’s heated through. If it seems a little thick, you can always add a tiny splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave, just make sure to stir it halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Serve it piping hot over fresh spaghetti!
Enjoying Your Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
This Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. A crusty piece of garlic bread is also a must for soaking up any extra sauce – don’t let a drop go to waste! And of course, a glass of your favorite red wine makes it feel like a true Italian feast.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use (like the fat content of the beef or the brand of tomatoes) and how much you pile onto your plate! But generally, for one serving of this amazing Homemade and Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese, you’re looking at something around:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g (with about 9g of that being saturated fat)
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g (with about 8g of that being sugar)
- Sodium: 600mg
It’s a pretty hearty and satisfying meal, packed with protein and flavor!
Homemade Delicious Spaghetti Bolognese: 5 Stars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and hearty homemade spaghetti bolognese sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 500g ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 150ml beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 300g spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chopped tomatoes and beef broth. Add oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For richer flavor, simmer for up to 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Drain spaghetti and serve with the bolognese sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine with the tomatoes.
- You can add a bay leaf while simmering the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, homemade sauce, pasta, Italian dinner, beef sauce, comfort food