Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm plate of spaghetti topped with rich, hearty Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner. With its luscious meat sauce cloaking perfectly cooked pasta, this dish evokes feelings of home and family gatherings. As the sauce simmers, the aroma wafts through the kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. It’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of cozy winter nights, laughter, and shared stories.
Table of Contents
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’ve found it. This classic meat sauce not only satisfies cravings but also proves to be budget-friendly and simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients that create deep, satisfying flavors, this dish will soon become a staple in your home. Don’t be surprised if your family starts asking for it every week; it’s just that good. I warmly invite you to gather your ingredients and experience the joy of making this delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cook time, a delicious dinner is just around the corner.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ground beef, garlic, and tomatoes creates a savory sauce you’ll crave.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: That vibrant red sauce over perfectly twirled spaghetti looks as good as it tastes!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight family dinner or an easy gathering with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt the dish with turkey or chicken for lighter variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and adding richness. You can swap it out for another oil like canola if needed.
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion): This builds the sauce’s flavor base. A sweet onion also works wonderfully in this meal.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Adds fragrant depth; always use fresh garlic for the best taste.
- 1 lb ground beef (85% or 90% lean): Provides heartiness. You can substitute with bulk Italian sausage for a spicier kick or turkey for a leaner option.
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances the other flavors. Adjust according to your taste or dietary requirements.
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper: Adds a mild heat. Freshly cracked gives a better flavor!
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Gives a hint of heat; omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Helps thicken the sauce and intensifies its flavor.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t skip this; it really makes a difference!
- ⅓ cup dry red wine: Adds depth; if you prefer not to use wine, feel free to substitute with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.
- ¼ cup water: Used to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes: The star of the sauce; crushed tomatoes can also be used for convenience but be sure to crush them yourself for texture.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil or 10 torn fresh basil leaves: Gives that classic Italian flavor. Fresh will deliver a more vibrant taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds an earthy note that complements the basil.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A must-have for a classic sauce flavor.
- 1 dried bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with subtle depth; remember to remove it before serving.
- 8-12 oz pasta for serving (I like spaghetti): Spaghetti is the perfect pairing here, but feel free to use your favorite type of pasta.
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Heat the oil: In a large pan over medium heat, drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it shimmer; this indicates it’s ready for the next step.
Sauté the onion: Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 cup of finely chopped yellow onion. Cook it until softened, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add garlic: Toss in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Brown the meat: Add in 1 lb of ground beef and sprinkle with ¾ teaspoon of fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon of cracked black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of crushed red pepper. Cook until browned, crumbling the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary; you want tender meat, not swimming in grease.
Incorporate the tomato paste: Stir 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar into the pan. This elevates the sauce by caramelizing the tomato paste—cook for about 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently.
Deglaze with wine: Pour in ⅓ cup of dry red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it cook until the wine is reduced by about half and you can no longer smell the alcohol strongly, roughly 3-5 minutes.
Add water and tomatoes: Incorporate ¼ cup of water and the 28 oz of canned whole peeled tomatoes. As those tomatoes cook, break them up with your spoon or spatula, creating a chunky sauce.
Season: Stir in 2 teaspoons of dried basil (or 10 torn fresh basil leaves), 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 dried bay leaf. Make sure the bay leaf is submerged into the sauce. Allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes with a slightly ajar lid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta: As the sauce simmers, begin cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Choose 8-12 oz of your favorite pasta. You can serve the meat sauce atop the pasta or mix them together for a hearty meal!
Combine sauce and pasta: If you decide to mix, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce along with that splash of reserved water, stirring well. Cook for several more minutes until everything is well integrated.
Serve hot: When plating, feel free to top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra creamy finish. Enjoy your delicious homemade Spaghetti Bolognese, knowing it’s all made from scratch just for you!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your delicious meat sauce at room temperature, aim to consume it within 2 hours of cooking. If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to restore some moisture. Texture may vary slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delightful!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the onions: Sauté until just softened to prevent bitterness.
- Use room temperature ground beef: Bringing it to room temperature ensures it browns better.
- Timing is key: Be mindful of your pasta cooking time so both the pasta and sauce finish at the same time.
- Don’t skip the simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer melds the flavors beautifully and enhances the taste.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; consider incorporating thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a day ahead: The flavors continue to develop in the fridge, making it even more delicious the next day!
There’s something truly special about the comforting flavors of Spaghetti Bolognese. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with a bit of time, creates something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family or having friends over, this dish is sure to steal the show. Feel free to add your own twist by playing with the herbs or pasta type. Embrace the versatility and enjoy the wonderful experience of making this beloved classic. Happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge. Reheating enhances the flavors, making it even tastier when you finally serve it.
What kind of pasta should I use?
While spaghetti is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free option if needed. Each shape holds the sauce differently, making for a delightful experience.
Can I freeze leftover meat sauce?
Yes, this meat sauce freezes beautifully! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’s best used within 3 months.
How can I thicken my sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while longer to reduce excess liquid. You may also mash a few of the whole tomatoes as they cook to release their natural thickening properties.
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📖 Recipe Card
Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Enjoy the rich and hearty flavors of Spaghetti Bolognese, featuring tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a luscious tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 lb ground beef 85 or 90%
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup dry red wine
- ¼ cup water
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 8–12 oz pasta for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook until browned, crumbling the meat. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Mix in tomato paste and sugar, stirring continuously until the paste caramelizes, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in red wine, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits. Cook until reduced by half, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add water and canned tomatoes, breaking them up as they cook.
- Stir in basil, parsley, oregano, and bay leaf, ensuring the bay leaf is submerged. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions. Combine the drained pasta with the meat sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir until sauce clings to noodles, cooking for a few more minutes.
- Serve topped with parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for added flavor.
Adjust the level of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
