Delicious Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Using Ground Meat

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese with Mince

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide, especially in homes across Europe and beyond. Known for its rich, hearty sauce and comforting pasta, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a cozy night in. The main component of the sauce typically includes minced beef (or other types of mince), along with a blend of vegetables and herbs that create its signature flavor. In this article, we will guide you through a simple yet delicious recipe for making Spaghetti Bolognese with mince that will leave your taste buds delighted.

Ingredients

To create a fantastic Spaghetti Bolognese, you will need the following ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 carrot, finely chopped - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped - 500g minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork) - 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 100ml red wine (optional) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Spaghetti - 400g spaghetti - Salt, for boiling water - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients Start by preparing all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. This mix is often referred to as a soffritto and forms the flavorful base of your Bolognese sauce.

2. Sauté the Vegetables In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the chopped carrot and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes or until they soften.

3. Cook the Mince Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the minced beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat, cooking until it’s browned all over. This step is crucial as it helps develop the depth of flavor in your sauce. If you’re using red wine, pour it in at this point, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those delicious bits.

4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs Once the meat is browned, stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can allow it to simmer for a longer period, up to one hour. However, even a 20-30 minute cook will yield tasty results as the flavors meld together.

5. Cook the Spaghetti About 15 minutes before the sauce finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Do not forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

6. Combine and Serve Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the saucepan with the Bolognese sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

7. Garnish and Enjoy Serve your Spaghetti Bolognese hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Bolognese

- Meat Choice While minced beef is traditional, feel free to experiment with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. - Longer Cooking Time For the most flavor, if time allows, simmer your Bolognese for longer, up to 2 hours, adding a splash of water as needed. - Storage Leftover Bolognese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months, making it a great dish for meal prep.

In conclusion, making a delicious Spaghetti Bolognese with mince is straightforward and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this dish is sure to impress and become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your cooking!