how to make spaghetti bolognese with mince

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese with Mince

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that's adored worldwide for its rich flavors and comforting nature. This hearty meal combines ground meat, often referred to as mince, with a savory tomato sauce and is served over a bed of spaghetti. Making a delicious Spaghetti Bolognese from scratch is a rewarding endeavor, and with a few simple ingredients, you can impress your family or guests. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this beloved dish.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. For a typical Spaghetti Bolognese, you'll need

- 400g spaghetti - 500g minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork) - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 carrot, finely diced - 1 celery stalk, finely diced - 400g canned chopped tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 150ml red wine (optional) - 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1 Prepare the Base

Start by heating a generous splash of olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. This mixture, known as soffritto, forms the flavor base of your sauce. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Brown the mince evenly, stirring regularly for about 5-10 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left, as the meat should be thoroughly cooked. This step helps develop fond and depth of flavor.

Step 3 Develop the Sauce

Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato paste, coating the mince and vegetable mixture. This adds a robust flavor and helps to thicken your sauce. Then, pour in the red wine, if using, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.

Now, add the canned chopped tomatoes, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become, so feel free to let it bubble away for up to an hour if you have the time.

Step 4 Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

Step 5 Combine and Serve

When the sauce has thickened to your liking, you can combine it with the spaghetti. If you want a silkier texture, consider adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to the sauce. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.

To serve, plate the spaghetti and generously ladle the Bolognese sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Bolognese with mince is a timeless dish that’s not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. By taking the time to prepare the sauce properly, you ensure a meal that bursts with flavor and warms the stomach. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start cooking this delightful Italian classic! Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Bolognese!