Few dishes are as universally loved as traditional spaghetti Bolognese, a timeless Italian comfort food known for its rich, slow-simmered meat sauce and deep, savory flavor. This classic recipe combines ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs to create a hearty sauce that clings perfectly to tender strands of spaghetti. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table.
Unlike quick weeknight pasta sauces, authentic Bolognese is all about patience. Allowing the sauce to simmer gently develops layers of flavor, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. Each bite delivers a balance of savory meat, subtle sweetness from vegetables, and the warmth of herbs, making it a go-to recipe for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.
This traditional spaghetti Bolognese recipe is easy to follow yet delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and impressive. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs for a classic presentation everyone will love.
If you’re searching for a classic spaghetti Bolognese recipe, an authentic Italian meat sauce, or a comforting pasta dinner idea, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or Sunday dinners—proving that some recipes never go out of style.
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Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese
Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting Italian classic made with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce featuring ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs. Served over perfectly cooked spaghetti, this hearty dish is ideal for family dinners and cozy nights in.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup dry red wine (optional but traditional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.
Brown the beef:
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Build the sauce:
Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine (if using) and simmer until mostly reduced.
Simmer:
Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the pasta:
Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Combine & serve:
Toss spaghetti with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Serve hot with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Let the sauce simmer low and slow for maximum flavor.
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Finely dicing the vegetables helps them melt into the sauce.
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Reserve pasta water—it helps bind the sauce to the spaghetti.
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Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for best balance.
Variations
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Classic Italian Style: Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
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Creamy Bolognese: Stir in ¼ cup milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
