Spaghetti Bolognese
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Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that you can make in just 40 minutes. This quick and easy recipe delivers a rich, meaty sauce packed with flavor. You’ll love how the tender ground beef mingles with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs in a savory tomato base.
The secret to this dish’s depth lies in a few special ingredients. A splash of red wine adds complexity, while Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon cubes boost the umami taste. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Serve this hearty sauce over al dente spaghetti for a comforting meal your family will ask for again and again.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you need to make this yummy spaghetti bolognese:
For the sauce:
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled
- 28 oz (800g) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp white sugar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For serving:
- 13 oz (400g) dried spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
You can swap the wine for water or beef broth if you prefer. Feel free to use half pork and half beef for the meat. The sugar is optional – taste your sauce first and add it if needed.
Don’t forget to grab some crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce!
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 3 minutes until golden and soft.
Turn up the heat to high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go.
Pour in the red wine. Let it simmer for 1 minute, scraping the bottom of the pot. Cook until you can’t smell the alcohol anymore.
Add all other ingredients to the pot. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Lower heat to medium and let it bubble gently for 20-30 minutes. Stir now and then. Add water if it gets too thick.
While the sauce cooks, boil water for pasta. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, but take it out 1 minute early.
Save a cup of pasta water before draining. Add pasta to the sauce with 1/2 cup of the saved water. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes until the pasta turns red.
Serve in bowls. Top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like. Enjoy your homemade spaghetti bolognese!
Possible Substitutes List
Can’t find all the ingredients for spaghetti bolognese? No worries! Here are some easy swaps you can try:
Meat: Instead of beef, use ground turkey, pork, or a mix of meats. Veggie crumbles work for a meatless option.
Pasta: Try these instead of spaghetti:
- Penne
- Fettuccine
- Rigatoni
- Zucchini noodles (for a low-carb choice)
Wine: Skip the red wine and use beef broth or water instead.
Tomatoes: No canned crushed tomatoes? Use:
- Tomato sauce + diced tomatoes
- Fresh tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
- Tomato passata
Herbs: Swap fresh thyme for:
- Dried thyme
- Oregano
- Italian seasoning
Bouillon: Replace beef bouillon with:
- Beef stock
- Vegetable stock
- Soy sauce (for umami flavor)
Can’t find Worcestershire sauce? Try:
- Soy sauce + a dash of vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
These swaps let you make a yummy bolognese even if you’re missing some items. Get creative and use what you have!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
You can enjoy spaghetti bolognese while managing diabetes with a few simple tweaks. Start by choosing whole grain pasta instead of regular spaghetti. This swap adds fiber and helps slow down sugar absorption.
Cut back on the pasta portion and load up on veggies. Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce. This boosts nutrients and lowers the carb count.
Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce saturated fat. Skip the sugar in the recipe – the tomatoes provide natural sweetness. Use less wine or replace it with low-sodium beef broth.
Consider serving the bolognese over spiralized zucchini noodles for an even lower-carb option. You can also mix half regular pasta with half zucchini noodles.
Keep an eye on portion sizes. Aim for a 1-cup serving of the meat sauce over 1/2 to 3/4 cup of whole grain pasta. Pair it with a side salad for added vegetables and fiber.
Remember to check your blood sugar after trying this modified recipe. Everyone responds differently to foods, so monitor how it affects you personally.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best spaghetti bolognese, try these handy tips:
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor.
- Don’t skip the wine – it adds depth to the sauce.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for a fresher taste.
To store leftovers, let the sauce cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin the sauce if needed. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it’s piping hot.
For meal prep, make a big batch and portion it out. Freeze in individual containers for quick weeknight dinners. Just thaw, reheat, and toss with fresh pasta.
Try these tasty variations:
- Add diced carrots and celery for extra veggies
- Stir in some heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage
Remember, the longer you simmer, the better the flavor!