Spaghetti Bolognese is a soul-warming dish that beautifully marries simplicity with rich, slow-simmered flavor. Originally hailing from Bologna, Italy (where it’s known as ragù alla Bolognese), this version has evolved into a beloved American classic.

Ground meat, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs simmer into a deep, savory sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti, making it a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s timeless, deeply flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. The layers of flavor develop beautifully, and it fills the kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s freezer-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

A comfort classic that never goes out of style
Uses basic pantry ingredients
Easy to make in bulk—perfect for meal prep

Kids and adults both love it
It’s a go-to for cozy family dinners or date nights

Prep Time & Cooking Time:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: ~550 kcal (varies by ingredients used)

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, peeled and grated or finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped (optional)
500g (1 lb) ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
2 tbsp tomato paste

400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup beef broth or red wine
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
2 tbsp milk or cream (optional, for creaminess)

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

400g (14 oz) spaghetti

Salt (for pasta water)

To Serve:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Extra virgin olive oil (optional drizzle)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion, celery, and carrot finely. Mince the garlic.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Step 4: Add Tomato Components

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth or wine.
Add a pinch of sugar if desired.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes.
Stir occasionally. Add milk or cream in the last 10 minutes for extra richness.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.

Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

Toss the spaghetti with the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier sauce.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and Parmesan.

How to Serve

Serve hot, directly on warm plates or in shallow bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a few grinds of black pepper, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Pair with:

Garlic bread or crusty baguette

A crisp green salad
Red wine (Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully)

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or plant-based mince instead of ground meat.

Add Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach blend in well.
Extra Flavor Boost: Use pancetta or bacon at the sauté stage for smoky flavor.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for heat.

Creamy Option: Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese or ricotta for a creamy finish.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Bolognese sauce (without pasta) freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Cook fresh pasta and combine.

Special Equipment Needed

Large heavy-bottomed skillet, sauté pan, or Dutch oven
Large pot for boiling pasta

Wooden spoon or spatula
Colander

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Absolutely! The sauce will be lighter but still flavorful.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: Yes, but peel and chop them. You may need to simmer longer to get the same richness.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Yes! The sauce tastes even better the next day. Perfect for meal prepping.

Q: Is Bolognese the same as meat sauce?

A: Not exactly. Bolognese is thicker, richer, and traditionally includes milk/cream and aromatic vegetables.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Bolognese is the kind of dish that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a dinner date, or just yourself, this recipe is dependable, heartwarming, and always satisfying. It’s more than just pasta with meat sauce—it’s comfort in a bowl.

Once you try it, it’ll likely become a regular in your meal rotation.