Authentic Italian Beef Bolognese: A Classic Recipe

Ingredients

500g of ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup of tomato paste
1/4 cup of red wine
2 teaspoons of dried basil
2 teaspoons of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil
500g of spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps and instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and continue to sauté for another minute.
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir it into the beef and vegetables.
Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir everything together.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will develop.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.
Pour the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti, tossing it to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve the spaghetti Bolognese with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Tools for making

Large pan - A pan large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for stirring.
Spoon - A utensil for sautéing the vegetables and breaking up the ground beef.
Cutting board - A surface for chopping the onions, carrots, and celery.
Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the vegetables.
Garlic press - A tool for mincing the garlic cloves.
Pot - A pot large enough to cook the spaghetti.
Colander - A tool for draining the cooked spaghetti.
Grater - A utensil for grating the Parmesan cheese.

Recipe variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Replace the spaghetti with your choice of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and substitute with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
Add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce for a creamier consistency.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Try using a combination of beef and pork for a richer taste.
Include a handful of chopped olives or capers to give the sauce a tangy twist.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or serve the Bolognese sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of freshness.

Recipe overview

This Beef Bolognese recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. This Italian classic pairs perfectly cooked spaghetti with a rich and robust meat sauce, made from a blend of fresh vegetables, ground beef, and aromatic herbs. The sauce is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to fully develop and meld together. The final touch of a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of savory goodness. Expect a dish that's not only delicious but also comforting and satisfying. This Beef Bolognese is sure to impress!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the ground meat and replace it with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free spaghetti or any other gluten-free pasta alternative to make it gluten-free.
Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce? Absolutely! The sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce? Certainly! This recipe already includes onions, carrots, and celery, but you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
Can I adjust the seasonings to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of dried herbs, salt, and pepper according to your personal preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan - A large pan is needed to sauté the vegetables and cook the Bolognese sauce.
Spoon - A spoon is necessary for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the sauce.
Pot - A pot is required for cooking the spaghetti.
Colander - A colander is needed for draining the cooked spaghetti.
Grater - A grater is useful for grating Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of the finished dish.

Origin stories

One might think of spaghetti Bolognese as a quintessential Italian dish, but the truth is, if you were to order it in Italy, you would likely receive a puzzled look. The dish as we know it is more of an American or British interpretation of a traditional Italian ragù. The original dish, ragù alla Bolognese, originates from Bologna, Italy, and is typically served with tagliatelle, a wider form of pasta. The sauce itself is also quite different from what most of us are familiar with. It features finely chopped beef and pork, slowly cooked with wine and a small amount of tomato in milk to achieve a rich, creamy consistency. So, while our beloved "spaghetti Bolognese" may not be authentically Italian, it is a delicious example of how food evolves and adapts as it travels across cultures and continents.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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