Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that has become a household favorite around the world. It's hearty, filling, and perfect for any occasion. My first experience with Spaghetti Bolognese was in a little Italian restaurant in Rome, and I've been hooked ever since. Today, I'm going to share my take on this classic dish and show you how to make it yourself.
As I set out to make Spaghetti Bolognese, I was reminded of my trip to Rome. I remembered the smell of garlic and onions sizzling in the pan, the sound of simmering tomatoes, and the sight of perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in rich Bolognese sauce. I wanted to recreate that experience at home.
I gathered all the ingredients, including ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and of course, spaghetti. As I cooked the onions and garlic, the aroma brought back memories of walking through the streets of Rome, passing by small cafes and restaurants. I added the beef, and the sizzling sound brought me back to the busy streets of the city.
As the sauce simmered, I stirred in the crushed tomatoes, letting the flavors meld together. Finally, I added the cooked spaghetti and the dish was complete. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to that small restaurant in Rome. The flavors were just as I remembered, and I felt like I had achieved my goal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound of spaghetti
How to Make it:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is cooking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti and enjoy.
How to Store it:
Spaghetti Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Refrigerate it:
Allow the Bolognese sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored in the refrigerator.
How to Reheat it:
To reheat Spaghetti Bolognese, you can either heat it in the microwave or on the stove. If heating in the microwave, transfer the desired amount of Bolognese sauce to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If heating on the stove, transfer the desired amount of Bolognese sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Tips to Make it More Delicious:
Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a more flavorful sauce.
Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey in place of ground beef if you prefer.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground beef alternative or omit it altogether and use vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant instead.
Can I freeze Spaghetti Bolognese?
Yes, you can freeze Spaghetti Bolognese. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat using the instructions above.
Conclusion:
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can recreate the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, Spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect comfort food.
Spagetti Bolognese
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery rib
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ pound ground beef, 80% lean
- 6 oz. ground Italian sausage, sweet or spicy
- 1 cup red wine
- 18 oz can ground/crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, or ¼ teaspoon dry
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, or ¼ teaspoon dry
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 12 oz. spaghetti, (¾ of a 1 lb. box.)
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
- Parmesan cheese, to garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until softened. About 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and sausage. Cook and crumble until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Add the garlic during the last minute.
- Deglaze the pan with the wine and use a silicone spatula to "clean" the bottom of the pot.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings. Let simmer for one hour, partially covered.
- Taste it and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain well. Use kitchen tongs to toss the spaghetti into the saucepan with the pasta sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese and serve!
Notes
Substitutes for Red Wine in Bolognese Sauce:
Red Wine Alternatives:- Alcoholic Options include white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Orvieto.
- Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Non-alcoholic wine
- ½ cup Red Wine Vinegar combined with ½ cup water.
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste + 1 cup beef broth.
- See here for additional options.
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