Spaghetti Bolognese
Few dishes embody the comfort of Italian-inspired cooking like Prime Spaghetti Bolognese. With its slow-simmered meat sauce, tender pasta, and rich tomato base, this dish is the definition of hearty home cooking. Originating from Bologna, Italy, Bolognese has evolved into a global favorite, appreciated for its depth of flavor and satisfying texture.
What sets Bolognese apart from a simple meat sauce is its layering of flavors. Onions, carrots, and celery (the classic soffritto) are gently sautéed as the foundation. Ground beef is browned and simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of wine or broth, transforming into a thick, savory sauce that clings perfectly to strands of spaghetti. The result is a balance of umami, acidity, and natural sweetness that makes every forkful irresistible.
Prime Spaghetti Bolognese isn’t just delicious; it’s also practical. The sauce can be prepared ahead of time, stored, or frozen, making it an ideal option for meal prep. A single pot yields generous portions, feeding a family or providing leftovers for busy weeknights. It’s also highly versatile — serve with different pastas like tagliatelle or rigatoni, spoon over polenta, or use as a base for lasagna.
Nutritionally, the dish offers a solid dose of protein from beef, while tomatoes contribute vitamins and antioxidants. Pair it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread, and you have a complete, balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, Prime Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless recipe that satisfies every time.
Prime Spaghetti Bolognese
Classic spaghetti Bolognese with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce and tender pasta — hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
- 1/2 cup red wine (or beef broth)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Fresh parsley or Parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 6–8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef; cook 6–7 minutes, breaking up with a spoon, until browned.
- Pour in red wine (or broth); simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in milk during final 10 minutes for a silky finish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss with sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan or parsley.
Tips & Variations
Meat blend: Use half beef, half pork for authentic flavor.
Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more texture.
Wine depth: Red wine adds richness; white wine gives a lighter profile.
Slow simmer: The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor develops.
Make-ahead: Sauce tastes better the next day — ideal for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
Pair with tagliatelle or pappardelle instead of spaghetti.
Offer alongside roasted vegetables for balance.
For drinks, pair with a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan curls.
FAQs
Can I freeze spaghetti Bolognese?
Yes — freeze the sauce (without pasta) up to 3 months.What pasta works best besides spaghetti?
Tagliatelle, rigatoni, or penne are excellent choices.Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the milk or use unsweetened almond milk for creaminess.How do I thicken Bolognese sauce?
Simmer uncovered to reduce, or add 1 tbsp tomato paste.Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes — it will be lighter in flavor, so boost spices and herbs.
Final Thoughts
Prime Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients and slow cooking for maximum flavor. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or batch-cooked for future meals, it’s a recipe that never goes out of style. Once you master the basics, you’ll find endless variations to make it your own.
