Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a delicious pasta dish inspired by Italian cuisine, and it has become a favorite of mine and my family. It’s made with spaghetti noodles and topped with a rich, flavorful sauce, typically containing ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of herbs and spices. The sauce is simmered gently to blend all the flavors seamlessly, creating a hearty and nutritious meal, perfect for dinner.

This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare, and kids love it because it’s filling and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a busy work night or preparing a special meal for family and friends, spaghetti Bolognese is always a great choice.
Try Spaghetti Bolognese
If you’ve never made spaghetti Bolognese at home, now is the perfect time! This recipe is simple and easy to make, and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills. Making it yourself allows you to control the ingredients, making it healthier and more delicious than most restaurant style recipes. Plus, you can make a big batch and save some for later as it tastes even better the next day!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Spaghetti Bolognese
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Spaghetti Bolognese
- 400g spaghetti
- 500g ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese
Step One
The first thing you need to do is cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step Two
Now, prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step Three
Now, try browning the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat if necessary. Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Mix well until combined.
Step Four
Simmer the sauce: Pour in the beef broth, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step allows all the flavors to develop into a rich, thick sauce. Then taste and adjust: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step Five
Finally, mix and serve: Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve the sauce over noodles. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
Before starting, make sure you have the following items:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large deep skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for draining pasta
Tips for the Perfect Spaghetti Bolognese
Chop your vegetables finely so they blend well with the sauce.
Let the sauce simmer as long as possible even up to an hour for deeper flavor.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added at the end for extra freshness.
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve this dish with a green salad or some grilled vegetables and a refreshing glass of orange juice or any drink you can find to enjoy with your family. It’s wonderful.

Frequently Asked Question
Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef ?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey is a great substitute for a lighter version of this dish.
Can I make this vegetarian ?
Absolutely. You can use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat as a substitute for beef.
Do I have to use celery and carrots ?
No, but they add a nice sweetness and depth of flavor. If you don’t have them, just skip or replace with bell peppers.
Can I use spaghetti alternatives ?
Yes! Gluten-free spaghetti, whole-wheat spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or even rice work well.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutes550
kcalA classic Italian-inspired pasta dish made with spaghetti noodles and a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce filled with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
400g spaghetti
500g ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
400g canned chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth or water
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
- The first thing you need to do is cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Now, prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Now, try browning the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat if necessary. Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Mix well until combined.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the beef broth, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step allows all the flavors to develop into a rich, thick sauce. Then taste and adjust: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Finally, mix and serve: Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve the sauce over noodles. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Veggies: Finely chop onions, carrots, and celery they add natural sweetness and depth.
- Brown the Meat Properly: Let the meat sear instead of stirring constantly. Browning builds flavor.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Let the sauce cook gently to develop a deep, rich flavor.
- Balance the Acidity: A pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can balance the tartness of tomatoes.
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