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A steaming bowl of classic spaghetti Bolognese topped with fresh basil.

Best way to grow your perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

This recipe guides you through creating a rich, flavorful Spaghetti Bolognese from scratch, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients and slow simmering for a truly authentic taste.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 100 g pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 250 ml red wine
  • 800 g crushed tomatoes (passata)
  • 250 ml beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano or dried
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
For Serving
  • 400 g spaghetti
  • Parmesan cheese, grated for garnish
  • fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Chopping board
  • Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Soffritto
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot, and set aside.
Brown the Meat
  1. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned all over; drain any excess fat if necessary.
Cook the Vegetables
  1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Add Aromatics
  1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Deglaze with Wine
  1. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
Simmer the Sauce
  1. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, and oregano to the pot; season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, or even longer for a richer flavor.
Cook the Spaghetti
  1. About 20 minutes before the sauce is done, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
Combine and Serve
  1. Drain the spaghetti and either toss it directly with the Bolognese sauce or serve the sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and the reserved crispy pancetta if desired.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce during the last hour of simmering. This recipe tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance!