Authentic Spaghetti Bolognese is the ultimate Italian comfort food a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a deeply satisfying meal. This traditional version brings together tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for depth and warmth in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or meal prep for the week, this Bolognese delivers flavor, texture, and authenticity that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Truly Authentic – Made with classic Italian ingredients and slow-simmered flavor.
- Deeply Flavorful – Rich tomato sauce with wine, herbs, and garlic.
- Family Favorite – A timeless dish everyone loves.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile – Serve with spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even lasagna sheets.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix with pork for richer flavor)
- ½ cup dry red wine (optional but authentic)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ cup whole milk or cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Base: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef (and pork, if using) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in red wine and simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Slowly: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with Milk: Stir in milk or cream during the last 10 minutes to balance acidity and add richness.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and toss with a bit of sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy: Plate pasta, top generously with sauce, and finish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
How to Serve
- Plating Tips: Twirl spaghetti neatly in the center of the plate and spoon sauce on top.
- Side Pairings: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Leftover Uses: Use leftover sauce for lasagna, stuffed peppers, or baked ziti.
- Beverage Pairing: Serve with Chianti, Merlot, or sparkling water with lemon.
Additional Tips
- Simmering longer enhances the depth of flavor.
- Use a mix of beef and pork for authentic texture.
- Avoid overcooking pasta al dente is key.
- Add a dash of nutmeg for a subtle warmth (Italian trick!).
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in ricotta or mascarpone at the end.
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low for 6 hours for extra tenderness.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (sauce only).
- Reheat: On the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Pasta pot and strainer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without wine?
Yes substitute with beef broth for depth.
Why add milk to Bolognese?
It softens the acidity of tomatoes and makes the sauce velvety.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, but expect a lighter flavor profile.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely the flavors intensify after a day in the fridge.
Conclusion
Authentic Spaghetti Bolognese is an Italian classic that captures the heart of home cooking rich, hearty, and beautifully balanced. With tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a luscious tomato sauce, this dish turns a simple dinner into a comforting masterpiece.
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Authentic Spaghetti Bolognese: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Authentic Spaghetti Bolognese is a rich, slow-simmered Italian meat sauce made with beef, tomatoes, red wine, and herbs. A deeply satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork)
½ cup dry red wine (optional)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ cup whole milk or cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 oz spaghetti
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Add ground beef (or beef/pork mix). Brown thoroughly, breaking it up.
3. Pour in red wine. Simmer 3–4 minutes until reduced.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes.
5. In the last 10 minutes, stir in milk or cream for richness.
6. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and lightly toss with some sauce.
7. Serve pasta topped with generous Bolognese sauce, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Notes
Use a beef and pork mix for extra flavor.
Red wine adds depth — replace with broth if needed.
Simmering longer intensifies flavor.
This sauce freezes beautifully for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups pasta with sauce
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
