Description
Pasta Bolognese is a rich and hearty dish that envelops al dente pasta in a velvety, meaty sauce. The deep flavors of slow-cooked tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tender ground beef create a comforting experience that warms the soul with every bite.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400g spaghetti or tagliatelle
- Meat: 500g ground beef
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium carrot (finely diced), 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
- Tomato Sauce: 400g canned crushed tomatoes
- Herbs: 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 bay leaf
- Liquids: 150ml red wine, 200ml beef broth
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the sauce over the pasta, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of pasta with sauce
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 80 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
Keywords: Pasta Bolognese, Italian pasta, meat sauce, spaghetti Bolognese, comfort food, homemade pasta sauce, hearty dinner, traditional Italian recipe, easy pasta recipe, family meal, rich tomato sauce, ground beef pasta, savory pasta dish