Simple Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce Recipe for a Quick and Delicious Meal

Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce A Simple Delight

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has won the hearts of many around the world. Known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities, this dish offers a delightful blend of ingredients that create a satisfying meal. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, preparing an easy spaghetti Bolognese sauce is achievable with just a few simple steps. In this article, we will explore how to make a delicious Bolognese sauce that can elevate your spaghetti dinner to new heights.

Ingredients

To whip up an easy spaghetti Bolognese, you'll need the following ingredients

- 400g (14 oz) of spaghetti - 300g (10.5 oz) of ground beef or a blend of beef and pork - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 400g (14 oz) canned tomatoes (chopped or whole) - 2 tablespoons of tomato paste - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1 teaspoon of dried basil - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for cooking - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

1. Prepare the Aromatics Start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and the onion becomes translucent. This mixture, known as soffritto, forms the base of your Bolognese sauce and adds depth of flavor.

2. Add the Garlic Once the vegetables are softened, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

3. Cook the Meat Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the ground meat to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it is browned all over. This should take about 5-8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; caramelizing the meat will enhance the flavor of your sauce.

4. Incorporate the Tomatoes After the meat has browned, stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and the bay leaf. Mix everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to cook slowly for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavors will become.

5. Season the Sauce After simmering, taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

6. Cook the Spaghetti While your Bolognese sauce is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve a little pasta water.

7. Combine and Serve Add the drained spaghetti directly into the Bolognese sauce, tossing it gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

8. Garnish and Enjoy Serve the spaghetti Bolognese hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with a simple side salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Making an easy spaghetti Bolognese sauce is not only straightforward, but it also provides a warm and hearty meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a sauce that is rich, flavorful, and sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this Bolognese recipe is a fantastic choice. So, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of making this beloved Italian dish. Buon appetito!