Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe (Easy Homemade Meat Sauce)
This easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is made with a rich homemade meat sauce, simple ingredients, and plenty of flavor. It’s a comforting family dinner that comes together with pantry staples and is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meals.
Whether you’re making spaghetti bolognese for the first time or looking for a reliable recipe that everyone will enjoy, this recipe delivers a hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great for weeknight dinners.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Rich, flavorful meat sauce.
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing.
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly.
Watch me make this dish
What Is Spaghetti Bolognese?
Spaghetti Bolognese is a pasta dish made with spaghetti and a rich meat-based tomato sauce. While traditional Italian ragù alla bolognese is typically served with wider pasta such as tagliatelle, spaghetti bolognese has become one of the most popular pasta dishes worldwide.
The sauce is usually made with ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings that simmer together to create a flavorful and hearty meal.
Spaghetti Bolognese Ingredients
The exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the base of the sauce and provides rich flavor.
Onion and Garlic
These aromatics create the foundation of the bolognese sauce.
Tomatoes
Tomato sauce and tomato paste help create a rich, flavorful sauce with the perfect consistency.
Seasonings
Simple seasonings enhance the flavor of the beef and tomatoes without overpowering them.
Spaghetti
Spaghetti is the classic pasta used for this recipe and holds the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
Cook the onions until softened, then add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add the tomato ingredients and seasonings. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer until thick and flavorful.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Serve the spaghetti topped with the rich bolognese sauce and garnish as desired.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese
- Brown the meat properly for deeper flavor.
- Allow the sauce to simmer whenever possible.
- Salt the pasta water generously.
- Do not overcook the spaghetti.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti bolognese pairs well with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Parmesan cheese
Variations
Ground Turkey Bolognese
Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Extra Vegetables
Add finely chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Bolognese
Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover spaghetti bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can You Freeze Spaghetti Bolognese?
Yes. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are used in spaghetti bolognese?
Traditional spaghetti bolognese uses ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, seasonings, and spaghetti pasta.
What is the best meat for bolognese sauce?
Ground beef is the most common choice, although a mixture of beef and pork also creates a rich sauce.
Can I make spaghetti bolognese ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, many people find the sauce tastes even better the next day.
How long does spaghetti bolognese last in the fridge?
Properly stored leftovers can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze spaghetti bolognese?
Yes. The sauce freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months.
Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 gram or 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 large minced garlic
- Puree of 2 large tomatoes
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 large carrot shredded
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano or Italian seasoning
- 3 cups of boiling water
Instructions
- In a hot pan, add the olive oil and butter. When the butter melts, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for a few seconds.
- Add the ground beef and brown it; there shouldn’t be water in the pan.
- To the browned beef, add shredded carrot and cook for 3 minutes. Season the meat with black pepper, paprika, and bay leaves, mix for three minutes.
- Pour the freshly made tomato puree, cook while stirring for 5 minutes, then add the tomato paste, salt, oregano, or the Italian seasoning—Cook for 7 minutes.
- Add the boiling beef stock or water to the beef mixture. Allow the meat sauce to cook for one hour and a half to two hours. Keep checking and stirring the sauce.
- To the sauce, add the cooked spaghetti and mix for a few seconds. Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Allow the flavor to come together for 15 to 20 minutes, and then serve the Spaghetti Bolognese with shredded parmesan cheese.
One of my husband’s favourite meals! Wonderful that you cooked everything from the scratching without using any prefix.
I hope you give it a try Angie, it is a great-tasting dinner indeed 😊