Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is more than just a meal; it's a flavorful testament to the depth and diversity of Italian cuisine. With each forkful of pasta and every spoonful of savory meat sauce, you embark on a culinary journey that stretches back through the annals of history, a tradition of slow-cooked love, and the essence of Bolognese craftsmanship that speaks to the soul of Italy.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork
- 1 medium onion finley chopped
- 1 stalk celery finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red wine optional
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup tomatoe paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- dash salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese For serving
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables become soft and the onion is translucent.
- Brown the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Herbs: Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the tomato paste and enhance the flavor.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If using wine, pour it into the skillet and cook for a few minutes, allowing it to reduce by half.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes and Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes and beef or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and Add Milk: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Bolognese sauce simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the whole milk or heavy cream to add creaminess to the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Bolognese sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Divide the cooked spaghetti among serving plates. Spoon the Bolognese sauce over the spaghetti.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves (if desired). Serve your delicious Spaghetti Bolognese immediately.
- Variations: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if you like. Experiment with different pasta shapes if you prefer a different type of pasta.