I remember the first time I truly fell in love with cooking was during a rainy Sunday afternoon when I decided to make a hearty dinner from scratch. I chose a spaghetti Bolognese recipe out of a worn-out cookbook, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience. The aroma of the simmering sauce mixed with the comforting smell of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen, and from that moment, spaghetti Bolognese became one of my most treasured recipes.

Ever since then, I’ve made it countless times and always with the same intention – to bring people together around a plate of comforting, flavorful pasta. This classic spaghetti Bolognese recipe is one I’ve fine-tuned over time so that each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, rich tomato, and tender pasta.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Ground beef – The star of the sauce that provides deep flavor and protein.
Onion – Adds aromatic depth and subtle sweetness.
Garlic – Brings sharpness and classic Italian flair.
Carrots – Add a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
Celery – Provides a savory balance and background flavor.
Crushed tomatoes – The base for the rich, savory sauce.
Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Olive oil – Helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness.
Dried oregano – Gives an earthy, herby layer to the sauce.
Bay leaf – Adds a subtle, aromatic note during simmering.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the sauce perfectly.
Spaghetti – The traditional pasta to carry all that delicious sauce.
Fresh parsley – Optional, but great for a fresh finishing touch.

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot – For boiling the spaghetti evenly.
Large sauté pan or Dutch oven – To simmer the sauce and build the flavors.
Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring the sauce and breaking up the meat.
Knife and cutting board – For prepping all your vegetables.
Colander – To drain the spaghetti once it’s al dente.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 2:

Next, I add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. I sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3:

Then, I stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant but not browned.

Step 4:

I add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up. I let it cook until it’s fully browned.

Step 5:

Once the meat is browned, I stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 6:

I pour in the crushed tomatoes, add oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Then, I reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for at least 25-30 minutes.

Step 7:

While the sauce simmers, I cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. I then drain it and set it aside.

Step 8:

Before serving, I taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then I spoon it generously over the spaghetti and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Tips

If I have extra time, I let the sauce simmer for up to an hour to deepen the flavor even more. I also sometimes add a splash of red wine right after browning the meat for extra richness. And if you’re out of celery, you can swap it for a bit more carrot or even a dash of celery salt.

Ways to Serve

I love to serve this with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. For a cozy dinner, I pair it with a glass of red wine and some grated Parmesan on top. It’s also great reheated the next day when the flavors have had more time to blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this a classic spaghetti Bolognese recipe?

This recipe uses traditional ingredients like ground beef, onions, garlic, carrots, and tomato sauce, slowly simmered for a deep and comforting flavor – a true representation of a classic spaghetti Bolognese recipe.

Can I freeze this spaghetti Bolognese?

Yes, you can! I usually freeze just the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Then I reheat and serve over freshly cooked pasta.

Can I use other types of pasta with this sauce?

Absolutely. While spaghetti is classic, I also enjoy it with fettuccine or rigatoni when I want something different.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this classic spaghetti Bolognese a try! It’s one of those timeless recipes that always brings comfort and joy to the table. I’d love to hear how yours turns out and what little twists you add to make it your own!

Happy Cooking!