Oh, pasta. Just say the word and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside, don’t you? It’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, plus you get to eat it. And when we’re talking about the ultimate comfort food, my mind immediately goes to a big, steaming bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s such a classic, a real crowd-pleaser, and honestly, one of my absolute favorite pasta dishes to whip up, especially when life gets busy. There’s just something so incredibly satisfying about that rich, slow-simmered sauce clinging to perfectly cooked spaghetti. I remember my mom making this for us after soccer practice, and the smell alone was enough to make everything feel better.
Why This is One of the Best Pasta Recipes
Okay, let’s talk about why this Spaghetti Bolognese truly deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. First off, it’s ridiculously easy to make, even on a crazy weeknight. You can absolutely have this on the table in about an hour, proving that amazing flavor doesn’t always mean spending hours slaving away. Check out these 30-minute dinner recipes for more ideas like this!
But don’t let the simplicity fool you – the flavor is HUGE. We get that deep, savory goodness from browning the beef just right and letting the tomatoes and spices simmer together. It’s seriously satisfying! It’s also the kind of meal that just makes everyone happy, from the pickiest eaters to the most seasoned foodies. It’s just pure comfort food that’s hard to beat. It’s my go-to for family dinners because I know it’ll always be a hit!
Gather Your Ingredients for Simple Spaghetti Bolognese
Alright, let’s get down to business and talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing Spaghetti Bolognese. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple stuff you probably already have in your pantry or can grab easily. Trust me, no fancy ingredients needed here!
First up, for the sauce itself, you’ll need about a tablespoon of good old olive oil to get things started. Then, we’ve got a pound of ground beef – I like to use 80/20 for that perfect flavor. Don’t forget one medium onion, finely chopped, and a couple of garlic cloves, all minced up. For the tomato base, grab a big 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and a small 6-ounce can of tomato paste. And to give it that classic Italian flair, we need a teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Easy peasy!
When it comes to serving, you’ll need a pound of spaghetti, of course. And if you’re feeling fancy, some grated Parmesan cheese is totally optional but highly recommended. It’s like the cherry on top, you know? You can also find some other fantastic ground beef ideas over on this Instant Pot ground beef recipes page if you’re ever in the mood for something different!
How to Prepare the Best Pasta Recipes: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s dive into making this fantastic Spaghetti Bolognese! It’s really straightforward, and following these steps will get you that mouthwatering flavor. You can totally do this, even if you’re new to cooking! It’s all about building those flavors layer by layer. For more simple weeknight meals, you should peep these easy dinner recipes!
Browning the Ground Beef and Aromatics
First things first, get your big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it shimmers a bit, toss in your pound of ground beef. Now, this is important: break it all up with your spoon and let it really get nice and brown. Don’t rush this part! Drain off any extra grease so you don’t have a greasy sauce. Then, throw in your chopped onion and let it soften up for about 5 minutes. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook just for another minute until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmering the Rich Bolognese Sauce
Now for the magic! Pour in that can of crushed tomatoes and the tomato paste. Give it a good stir, followed by your dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Get it all mixed up nicely. Bring the whole thing to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on it, and just let it do its thing for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, the longer it simmers, the deeper and richer the flavor gets, so if you have an extra hour, let it go! It makes such a difference. You can find more awesome ground beef tips here.
Cooking the Spaghetti to Perfection
While your sauce is bubbling away, it’s time to get the spaghetti ready. Fill up another big pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (this is key for flavoring the pasta!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your pound of spaghetti and cook it according to the package directions. Usually, it’s about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s al dente – that means tender but still with a little bite – drain it really well. Don’t rinse it!
Assembling and Serving Your Bolognese
And there you have it! Ladle that glorious, rich Bolognese sauce right over your perfectly cooked spaghetti. If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese. It totally makes the dish sing! Just imagine that gorgeous contrast of the red sauce and the white cheese. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and it’s delicious.
Tips for Making Your Bolognese Even Better
Now, while this recipe is already fantastic, I always like to share a few little secrets that take it from great to absolutely unforgettable. It’s all about those little touches that make a big difference! For example, if you’re looking for more comforting pasta ideas, you’ve got to check out this creamy pumpkin mac and cheese – it’s divine!
Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the garlic if you like a little bit of heat – it adds a lovely warmth without being overwhelming. And I often toss in a bay leaf while the sauce simmers; just remember to fish it out before serving! It imparts this subtle, earthy depth. Also, make sure you’re using good quality canned tomatoes; it really does affect the final flavor!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Pasta Dishes
Let’s chat about some of the ingredients you’ll find in this recipe. You know, sometimes you might not have exactly what the recipe calls for, or maybe you just want to switch things up! That’s totally okay, and honestly, that’s part of the fun of cooking.
For instance, that pound of ground beef? If you’re looking for something a bit leaner, ground turkey works really well, and you can find some awesome ideas for it over on this ground turkey pasta page. Just remember that turkey might cook a little faster, so keep an eye on it.
And those crushed tomatoes? You can absolutely use diced tomatoes if that’s what you have, though you might want to give them a quick pulse in the blender or food processor to make them a bit smoother, closer to crushed. Using good quality tomatoes really makes a difference in the sauce’s flavor – it’s worth it if you can splurge a little!
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Pasta Recipes
Got questions about whipping up this amazing Spaghetti Bolognese? I totally get it! Cooking is all about making it work for you, and sometimes you just need a little clarification. Let’s tackle some common ones!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This bolognese sauce is actually even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. You can make the sauce a day or two in advance, store it in the fridge, and then just reheat it gently on the stove before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta. It’s perfect if you’re prepping for guests!
How long does the sauce keep?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the bolognese sauce will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you pop it in the fridge. It’s such a lifesaver to have this in the fridge for a quick dinner!
Can I freeze Spaghetti Bolognese?
Yes, you can! This sauce freezes beautifully. Let the sauce cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it. It’s like having a delicious homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it!
What pasta shape is best for Bolognese?
While spaghetti is the classic choice, and it’s what we’re using here, Bolognese sauce is also fantastic with heartier pasta shapes that can really hold onto that rich sauce. Think about pappardelle, fettuccine, or even rigatoni. Since we’re talking about the best pasta, really, any shape you love will work, but the wider or more textured ones give you that extra saucy goodness in every bite!
Nutritional Information
Okay, so here’s the scoop on the nutrition for this amazing Spaghetti Bolognese! Remember, these numbers are just estimates, and they can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and tiny variations in your cooking. But, generally speaking, a serving of this hearty pasta dish is around 550-650 calories. You’re looking at about 25-35g of fat, 30-40g of protein, and roughly 50-60g of carbs. It’s definitely a satisfying meal!
Share Your Thoughts on These Best Pasta Recipes
So, what did you think? Did this simple Spaghetti Bolognese hit all the right comfort food notes for you? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let me know how yours turned out, or if you added your own little twist to it. Maybe you tried it with rigatoni instead? You can see how tasty rigatoni can be in this Roasted Red Pepper Vodka Rigatoni recipe! Don’t be shy – share your cooking adventures!
Simple Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, you can simmer it longer.
- While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions in a separate pot of boiling salted water. Drain the spaghetti.
- Serve the bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.