Spaghetti Bolognese
Total Time
40 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
4.98 out of 5 stars
(366)
Ingredients
5 servings
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (, minced)
- 1 onion (, finely chopped (brown, yellow or white)
- 1 lb / 500g beef mince (ground beef) (OR half pork, half beef (Note 1)
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) dry red wine (sub water or beef broth/stock)
- 2 beef bouillon cubes (, crumbled OR granulated beef bouillon (Note 2)
- 800g / 28 oz can crushed tomato (or tomato passata)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp white sugar (, if needed (Note 3)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 400 g / 13 oz spaghetti (, dried)
- Parmesan cheese (and finely chopped parsley (optional)
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Preparation
Step 1
Sauté - Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 3 minutes or until light golden and softened.
Step 2
Cook beef - Turn heat up to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as your go, until browned.
Step 3
Reduce wine - Add red wine. Bring to simmer and cook for 1 minute, scraping the bottom of the pot, until the alcohol smell is gone.
Step 4
Simmer - Add the remaining ingredients. Stir, bring to a simmer then turn down to medium so it bubbles gently. Cook for 20 - 30 minutes (no lid), adding water if the sauce gets too thick for your taste. Stir occasionally.
Step 5
Slow simmer option: really takes this to another level, if you have the time! Add 3/4 cup of water, cover with lid and simmer on very low for 2 - 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so. (Note 5) Uncover, simmer 20 minutes to thicken sauce. (Note 6 for slow cooker)
Step 6
Taste and add more salt it desired. Serve over spaghetti - though if you have the time, I recommend tossing the sauce and pasta per steps below.
Step 7
Tossing Sauce and Spaghetti (optional, Note 4)
Step 8
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook per packet directions MINUS 1 minute.
Step 9
Scoop out a mug of pasta cooking water and set aside, then drain the pasta.
Step 10
Add pasta into the bolognese sauce with about 1/2 cup (125 ml) of reserved pasta water over medium heat. Toss gently for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, or until the spaghetti turns red and the sauce thickens.
Step 11
Divide between bowls. Garnish with parmesan and parsley if desired.
Step 12
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