Classic Spaghetti Bolognese: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Every Occasion

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese Ingredients – What You’ll Need

To make the perfect Spaghetti Bolognese, you’ll need the right ingredients. Here’s a list of the essentials:

Ingredients Table:

Meat

• Ground Beef – 250g | Lean beef for a tender texture
• Ground Pork – 250g | Adds richness to the sauce

Vegetables & Aromatics

• Onion – 1 medium | Finely chopped
• Carrot – 1 medium | Finely chopped
• Celery – 1 stalk | Finely chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves | Minced

Liquids & Flavor Enhancers

• Tomato Paste – 2 tbsp | For concentrated tomato flavor
• Canned Tomatoes – 1 can (400g) | Crushed or pureed tomatoes
• Red Wine – 100ml | For deglazing and depth of flavor
• Beef Broth – 250ml | Adds richness to the sauce

Seasoning & Herbs

• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Bay Leaves) – A pinch of each | For authentic flavor
• Salt & Pepper – To taste | For seasoning

Pasta

• Spaghetti – 400g | Or your preferred pasta type

How to Make Classic Spaghetti Bolognese – Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Vegetables and Meat

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant
2. Brown the Meat: Incorporate the ground beef and ground pork into the pan and cook until fully browned.

Simmering the Sauce for Maximum Flavor

1. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
2. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and the canned tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
3. Season and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, then add the herbs, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and develop a rich, deep flavor.

Cooking the Spaghetti to Perfection

1. Cook the Pasta: As the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, ensuring the pasta is cooked al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Serving and Garnishing Your Dish

1. Plating: Serve the spaghetti on a plate and spoon a generous amount of Bolognese sauce over the top. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Spaghetti Bolognese

To achieve a perfect Classic Spaghetti Bolognese, learn how to avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not be in a hurry about cooking: This sauce should be simmered for not less than 1.5 hours to develop an intense flavor.
• Don’t overdue the cooking: Make sure that you always cook your spaghetti al dente, so it retains some bite while mixing into the sauce.
• Using Inferior Quality Meat: Go for the best combination of ground beef and ground pork to enhance both your flavor and texture.
• Not Balancing the Flavors: Check for flavor and add seasoning—if required—before serving.Like, “do you want to add a sprinkle of pepper on a dish or not?” 

Tips to Elevate Your Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Add a Touch of Cream: For a creamier Bolognese, toss in a splash of heavy cream or whole milk toward the end of the cooking process.

Prepare Various Pasta: Experiment with all sorts of pasta shapes, including fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even pappardelle for a twist on a classic.

Pair Up with Wine: Serve it with Chianti or another dry red wine to complement the rich flavors of the sauce.