Ingredients
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To make a delicious Spaghetti Bolognese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of red wine (optional)
It’s important to use fresh ingredients to get the best flavor in your sauce. Don’t be afraid to substitute or add ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Cooking Tips
Follow these best cooking practices to make the perfect Spaghetti Bolognese:
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Simmer the sauce on low heat: After bringing the sauce to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 30-40 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together and give you a richer, more complex sauce.
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Cook the spaghetti al dente: It’s important not to overcook the spaghetti or it will become mushy. Follow the package instructions and taste the spaghetti before draining to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
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Mix the sauce and spaghetti well: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce over the spaghetti and toss it well to ensure the sauce coats each strand of spaghetti.
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Let it rest for a few minutes: After mixing the spaghetti and sauce, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will give the flavors a chance to fully develop and make for a more delicious meal.
To avoid common mistakes while cooking, make sure to stir the sauce often while it’s simmering to prevent it from burning and sticking to the pot. Don’t add too much salt to the sauce at once; start with a small amount and add more as needed. Finally, be sure to taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Allergens
Spaghetti Bolognese contains several common allergens that may cause allergic reactions in some people. The most common allergens found in this dish are:
- Wheat: Spaghetti is made from wheat flour and is therefore not suitable for people with a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance.
- Milk: Some recipes for Spaghetti Bolognese may include milk or cheese, which contain milk proteins and may trigger an allergic reaction in people with a milk allergy.
- Soy: Soy products like soy sauce or tofu may be used in some recipes for Spaghetti Bolognese and can cause an allergic reaction in people with a soy allergy.
To make Spaghetti Bolognese safe for those with food allergies, consider these suggestions:
- Use gluten-free pasta: There are many gluten-free pasta options available that are made from rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains.
- Avoid milk and cheese: If you have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, skip the milk and cheese in the recipe or use non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or vegan cheese.
- Skip the soy: If you have a soy allergy, avoid using soy products in the recipe and opt for other seasonings and flavorings like herbs and spices.
Always read ingredient labels carefully and check with your healthcare provider if you have questions about food allergies or intolerances.
Recipe
Here’s the step-by-step recipe for classic Spaghetti Bolognese:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- If using red wine, pour it into the pot and stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.
- Pour the sauce over the spaghetti and toss to combine.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Note: This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. Adjust the ingredients and portion sizes as necessary
Variations
Here are some variations of Spaghetti Bolognese:
Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese: Instead of using ground beef, use a meat substitute like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or vegetarian ground meat. Add in extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
Spaghetti Bolognese with Wine: Add more wine to the sauce for a deeper, richer flavor. Use red wine for a classic taste or white wine for a more delicate flavor.
Spicy Spaghetti Bolognese: Add some heat to your sauce by adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. This will give the dish a spicy kick that’s perfect for those who love heat.
Spaghetti Bolognese with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the sauce for a burst of flavor. This is a great way to use up fresh herbs from your garden or leftover herbs from another recipe.
Gluten-Free Spaghetti Bolognese: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or other gluten-free grains to make the dish gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the sauce instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Spaghetti Bolognese with Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or spinach to the sauce for a more colorful and nutritious dish. This is a great way to add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal.
Note: Feel free to experiment with these variations and make Spaghetti Bolognese your own. Use your favorite ingredients and adjust the guide recipe to your liking.

Presentation and Serving
Here are some presentation techniques and serving suggestions for Spaghetti Bolognese:
Top it with Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the spaghetti for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
Add fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve with garlic bread: Pair the spaghetti with a side of garlic bread for a delicious and filling meal.
Use a white plate: Serve the spaghetti on a white plate to make the colors of the dish stand out and create an elegant presentation.
Serve family-style: Serve the spaghetti in a large bowl or platter for a more communal dining experience. Let everyone serve themselves and enjoy the meal together.
Note: Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that doesn’t need much fuss to look and taste great. Keep it simple and let the flavors speak for themselves. This guide will help you achieve this result.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite around the world. With its delicious combination of pasta and savory meat sauce, it’s easy to see why this dish is so popular.
In this article, we covered the history and importance of Spaghetti Bolognese in Italian cuisine, as well as the versatility of the dish. We also provided a list of ingredients, step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook the dish, and tips for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor.
Additionally, we discussed the nutritional benefits of Spaghetti Bolognese and how to make it safe for those with food allergies. We also provided some variations of the classic recipe to help you make it your own.
Lastly, we discussed presentation and serving suggestions to help you create an elegant and delicious dining experience.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get cooking! Try our Spaghetti Bolognese recipe guide and don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to find the perfect version for you. Remember to practice portion control and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Italian dish.