Classic Beef Bolognaise
A traditional spaghetti bolognese made with minced beef and tomatoes, this recipe is perfect for a hearty family dinner. With rich flavours and easy preparation, it brings comfort food to a new level.
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Everyday
Created with Pantry Bliss
Ingredients
4 servings
For the Bolognaise sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 500 grams minced beef, preferably lean
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
- 400 grams canned tomatoes, chopped or whole, crushed by hand
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
For serving
- 300 grams spaghetti, dried
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)
For the Bolognaise sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 500 grams minced beef, preferably lean
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
- 400 grams canned tomatoes, chopped or whole, crushed by hand
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
For serving
- 300 grams spaghetti, dried
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
About this recipe
Growing up in Italy, I was always surrounded by traditional recipes. The classic spaghetti bolognese embodies the heart of Italian cooking, with its rich flavours developed from simple ingredients. This recipe pays homage to the authenticity of the dish while making it accessible for home cooks.
Method
-
Step 1: Prepare the sauce base
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Stir frequently to ensure they cook evenly.
Keep the heat moderate to avoid browning the vegetables too much – you want them soft and translucent. -
Step 2: Brown the beef
Add the minced beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break it apart and stir it into the vegetables. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Ensure the beef is fully cooked, with no pink remaining in the centre. Target an internal temperature of at least 70°C. -
Step 3: Add garlic and tomatoes
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Mix well to combine everything and bring to a gentle simmer.
Ensure garlic does not burn; it can become bitter if overcooked. -
Step 4: Season the sauce
Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help develop rich flavors in the sauce.
Taste the sauce as you go; adjust seasoning according to your preference. -
Step 5: Cook the spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti. Boil a large pot of salted water and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander, reserving a small cup of pasta water if desired.
Do not overcook the spaghetti; it should be firm to the bite (al dente). -
Step 6: Serve the dish
Divide the cooked spaghetti onto plates. Top each plate with a generous ladle of bolognese sauce. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Ensure that both spaghetti and sauce are hot before serving.
Tips
- For added depth, you can include a splash of red wine when adding the tomatoes.
- Feel free to add a bay leaf while simmering the sauce for extra flavour, removing it before serving.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Knife
- Chopping board
Serve it with
Sides
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Garlic Bread
The crusty texture and garlic flavour of garlic bread complements the sauce beautifully.
-
Mixed Green Salad
A refreshing salad balances the richness of the bolognese.
Goes well with
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Tiramisu
This classic Italian dessert pairs perfectly as a sweet ending to the meal.
Drinks
-
Chianti
This dry Italian red wine matches the flavours of the bolognese well.
-
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water cleanses the palate nicely against the richness of the dish.
Created by a home cook with Pantry Bliss’s AI recipe creator and shared with the community. Always check recipes for allergens and cook food to safe temperatures.
