Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese: Sunday Dinner Comfort

There’s just something about a pot of rich, slow-simmered sauce bubbling away on the stove, isn’t there? The scent alone whispers “Sunday dinner” and brings back all those cozy memories of Grandma’s kitchen. When I think of truly comforting Italian-American food, my mind always goes straight to a hearty Spaghetti Bolognese. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with flavor that tastes like pure love. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house feel like home, and I can’t wait to share my family’s way of making it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Seriously, who doesn’t love a comforting plate of Spaghetti Bolognese? This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

• It tastes like home: Just like my Grandma used to make, this sauce is rich, hearty, and makes the whole house smell amazing.
• Family-Approved Flavor: It’s that classic Italian-American comfort food that even the pickiest eaters dig into.
• So Easy to Make: While it simmers for a while, the actual hands-on work is super simple. Perfect for busy home cooks!
• Incredible Flavor: That slow simmer unlocks a depth of flavor that you just can’t rush. Pure deliciousness!

Ingredients for the Perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making this amazing Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s pretty straightforward, using pantry staples that make a world of difference. The key is good quality ingredients for the best flavor!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound spaghetti
• For Serving: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Rich Meat Sauce for Spaghetti Bolognese

Alright, this is where the magic really happens! Making a truly rich meat sauce for your Spaghetti Bolognese is all about patience and letting those flavors meld together beautifully. It’s not complicated at all, just a little bit of love and time. Trust me, the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen while this simmers is half the reward! Knowing this sauce pairs perfectly with a quick weeknight dinner makes it even better.

Browning the Meat and Sautéing Aromatics

First things first, grab your biggest pot or a trusty Dutch oven and heat up about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef and just cook it, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned. Don’t skip draining off any of that extra grease – nobody likes a greasy Bolognese! Then, add in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let those cook down until they’re nice and tender, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Finally, stir in your minced garlic and let it get fragrant for just another minute. You’ll know it’s ready!

Building the Rich Meat Sauce Flavor

Now for the heart of our sauce! Add in your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Then, toss in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is well combined. This is where the patience comes in. Bring the whole glorious mixture up to a gentle simmer, then turn that heat down to low, pop a lid on it, and let it cook. You want to let it simmer for at least an hour, but I honestly think it’s even better if you can let it go for two hours. The longer it simmers, the deeper and richer that flavor gets. For an extra special touch, if you have a splash of red wine lying around after sautéing the veggies, add it and let it bubble away for a few minutes before you add the tomatoes. It makes a difference, I promise! If you love that slow-cooked flavor, you might also enjoy my slow cooker beef stroganoff.

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Cooking the Spaghetti Perfectly

About 15 minutes before you think your amazing Bolognese sauce is ready to go, it’s time to get your spaghetti cooking. Just follow the package directions like you normally would. The most important thing is to cook it until it’s perfectly al dente – you know, just tender with a little bit of a bite. Drain it really well so it’s ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese

Making a fantastic Spaghetti Bolognese is all about a few little things that make a huge difference. It’s not just about following a recipe; it’s about understanding *why* certain steps matter. When I first started cooking, I used to rush things, but my grandma always told me, “Patience, Carla! The sauce needs time to marry its flavors.” One time, I completely burnt the garlic because I wasn’t paying attention while simmering – disaster! Now, I’m super careful, and honestly, it’s worth every minute. Remember, you can always find out more about my kitchen philosophy on my About page!

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Ingredient Quality Matters for Authentic Flavor

Even with simple ingredients, using good quality ones really elevates your sauce. Think good canned tomatoes – they make a surprisingly big difference! And while this recipe calls for dried herbs, if you happen to have fresh ones on hand, they’re always a lovely, fragrant addition. It’s those little touches that make all the difference in a classic dish like this.

The Art of the Slow Simmer

Seriously, don’t rush this part! That low, slow simmer is precisely what transforms your ingredients into a rich, deep, incredibly satisfying meat sauce. It’s the secret to getting that authentic ‘Sunday dinner’ taste that fills the house and makes everyone’s tummy rumble. Just let it bubble away gently until it’s thick and perfect.

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Serving and Storing Your Spaghetti Bolognese

Once your rich meat sauce has had its glorious simmer, it’s time for the best part: serving! Ladle that hearty Bolognese over your perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s divine just as is, but a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese really takes it to the next level. Don’t forget to check out my favorite side dishes that pair perfectly with pasta! And the best part? This sauce freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then stash it in airtight containers for a future weeknight winner. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when those cravings hit!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Spaghetti Bolognese

Got questions about making the best Spaghetti Bolognese? I’ve got answers! It’s a classic for a reason, and sometimes you just need a little tweak or clarification.

Can I make this Spaghetti Bolognese vegetarian?

Oh, absolutely! You can easily make a fantastic vegetarian version. Just swap out the ground beef for plant-based grounds or load it up with extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. You can even find a yummy vegetarian chili recipe here that might inspire you!

How long can I simmer the sauce?

For this rich meat sauce, the longer the better! You’ll get good flavor simmering for a minimum of one hour, but for that truly deep, homemade taste, I always recommend aiming for at least 1.5 to 2 hours if you have the time. Patience really pays off!

What’s the best way to freeze Spaghetti Bolognese?

It freezes beautifully! Just make sure your delicious sauce has cooled down completely first. Then, spoon it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It’ll keep perfectly for a few months, ready for a super easy meal later on.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this classic Spaghetti Bolognese with sauce and spaghetti. Keep in mind these numbers can vary a bit depending on the specific brands you use and how much cheese you add!

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups sauce with 1/6 lb spaghetti
• Calories: ~650
• Fat: ~25g
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~75g

Share Your Spaghetti Bolognese Creations!

I just LOVE hearing from you! Did you try making my rich meat sauce for Spaghetti Bolognese? Did it bring back some sweet Sunday memories? Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I’m always eager to hear your tips and variations too! You can always reach out if you have any questions!

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

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A hearty and rich meat sauce simmered to perfection, just like Sunday dinner at home. This recipe delivers classic Italian-American comfort food that the whole family will love.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to 2 hours.
6. About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
7. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• This sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for freezing.
• For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of red wine after cooking the vegetables and let it reduce before adding the tomatoes.
• Adjust seasonings to your preference.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups sauce with 1/6 lb spaghetti
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg