Spaghetti Bolognese with Beef
Easy Spaghetti Bolognese with Beef is a comforting and hearty Italian classic reinvented for quick weeknight dinners. This recipe combines lean ground beef, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to create a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks, it delivers a satisfying family-friendly meal in under 40 minutes.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free by using gluten-free spaghetti
Meat and Protein
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
Tomato Base
- 400g canned crushed or diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine or beef broth (optional)
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Garnish
- 400g spaghetti pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. These vegetables will create the rich base of your sauce.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon for small, even pieces to develop the classic meaty flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Push the beef to one side and add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add Tomato Base and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste and canned tomatoes. Add oregano, basil, and pour in red wine or beef broth if using. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Serve immediately topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano whenever possible for vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Take your time softening the vegetables to ensure a smooth, well-rounded sauce.
- Make sure to brown the beef well for enhanced caramelized flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently for at least 20 minutes to deepen the taste.
- Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling better to the noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Bolognese, Beef Bolognese, Italian pasta, Quick dinner, Family meal, Classic Italian recipe