Easy Classic Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
This easy classic spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender pasta and a rich, savory meat sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, it’s simple to prepare and always satisfying.
Equipment
- large pot for boiling pasta
- large pan for sauce preparation
- wooden spoon
- colander for draining pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve sauce over pasta. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Notes
For deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer longer if time allows. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms. A pinch of sugar can help balance acidic tomatoes.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!