Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Hearty Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort arrives with classic spaghetti bolognese, a dish that whispers memories of cozy Italian kitchens.

Generations have savored this hearty recipe passed down through beloved cookbooks.

Rich meat sauce simmers with deep, robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Minimal preparation steps make this meal accessible for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Aromatic herbs and slow-cooked tomatoes promise a delightful culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Come ready to transform simple ingredients into a spectacular dinner that celebrates true italian cooking.

Why Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Is Loved

  • Speed Demon: Crush dinner prep with this lightning-fast recipe that gets a hearty meal on the table quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute hunger strikes.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps make this spaghetti bolognese a dream for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Classic comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults, delivering rich flavors and satisfying protein that everyone will love around the dinner table.
  • Adaptable Meal: Easily customizable with optional cheese topping, different herbs, or protein variations, making it a flexible recipe for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes Into Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that forms the hearty foundation of the Bolognese sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base that enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
  • Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic herbs and seasonings that add depth and balance to the meat sauce.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that brings a bright, clean finish to the dish.
Sauce and Pasta Components:
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates and intensifies the tomato flavor in the sauce.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Create the classic smooth and rich texture of a traditional Bolognese sauce.
  • Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that perfectly catches and holds the meaty sauce.
Optional Topping:
  • Cheese: Adds a creamy and salty finish to the dish.
Cooking Basics:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the sauce.

Steps To Cook Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Aromatics

Chop onions into fine pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently sauté the onions until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, releasing its fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Introduce ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat using a wooden spoon, ensuring it crumbles into small pieces. Cook the beef for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it turns a rich brown color. Stir in tomato paste and dried oregano, coating the meat evenly.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors meld and develop a deep, rich taste. The sauce will thicken and become more concentrated.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until it reaches al dente texture – tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley into the sauce, stirring to incorporate the bright, herbal notes.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Transfer the cooked spaghetti to serving plates. Ladle the bolognese sauce generously over the pasta. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips For A Great Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

  • Soften Onions Slowly: Use medium-low heat to prevent burning and develop sweet, mellow flavor without browning.
  • Choose Quality Beef: Select lean ground beef with 85% meat content for rich taste and proper sauce consistency.
  • Control Sauce Thickness: Let sauce simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and concentrate flavors, creating robust texture.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Add chopped fresh parsley just before serving to enhance brightness and provide fresh, aromatic finish.
  • Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti just until al dente, maintaining slight firmness for ideal mouth feel and sauce absorption.

Fun Twists On Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

  • Vegetarian Bolognese: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat substitute for a protein-rich, meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the sauce a fiery flavor profile.
  • Mushroom Enriched: Incorporate chopped mushrooms for extra umami and depth in the sauce's texture and taste.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

  • Pair Classic Red Wine: Choose a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty sauce with its bold flavor profile and balanced acidity.
  • Create Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the sauce's heaviness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.
  • Match Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up extra sauce and add a complementary garlicky, buttery texture to the meal.
  • Enhance Parmesan Cheese Experience: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top, allowing its nutty, salty notes to elevate the overall depth of the Bolognese sauce.

Storage Made Simple For Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

  • Store sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Pour cooled Bolognese sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, labeling with date and contents.
  • Place pasta and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring halfway through, until steaming hot (internal temp 165°F).
  • Gently reheat sauce in a pan over medium-low heat, adding splash of water to prevent sticking. Warm pasta separately by tossing in hot water for 30 seconds, then drain and combine.

FAQs About Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

  • What are the key ingredients for authentic Bolognese sauce?

Ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, and fresh parsley are essential for creating a traditional Bolognese sauce that captures classic Italian flavors.

  • How can I make the sauce more flavorful?

Browning the beef thoroughly and allowing the sauce to simmer helps develop deeper, richer flavors. Using fresh herbs and taking time to develop the sauce’s base will enhance its overall taste profile.

  • Is Bolognese sauce healthy?

While delicious, Bolognese is relatively high in calories and fat due to the ground beef. For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey to reduce the fat content.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 mins
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Hearty spaghetti bolognese brings rustic Italian comfort to dinner tables worldwide. Rich meaty sauce nestled over perfectly cooked pasta promises a delicious journey through classic culinary traditions you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) spaghetti

Meat and Base Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 28 ounces (794 grams) crushed tomatoes

Herbs, Seasonings, and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 handful chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Pecorino or Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing finely chopped onions until translucent and soft, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles and browning for approximately 7-9 minutes until no pink remains.
  3. Incorporate tomato paste and dried oregano, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors and coat the meat evenly.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper; reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
  6. Drain pasta thoroughly, reserving a small amount of cooking water in case sauce needs thinning.
  7. Fold fresh chopped parsley into the rich meat sauce, enhancing its aromatic profile.
  8. Plate the hot spaghetti, generously ladle the bolognese sauce over the pasta, and optionally sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat from beef to reduce greasiness and improve sauce texture.
  • Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version of the classic dish.
  • Fresh herbs like basil can replace parsley for a more aromatic sauce.
  • Make the recipe vegetarian by substituting beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 28 mins
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star