Spaghetti Bolognese is one of those classic pasta dishes that never gets boring. A rich tomato and meat sauce served with spaghetti and freshly grated Parmesan makes the perfect comforting meal for lunch or dinner. What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to make at home. You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, and most of the cooking time is simply letting the Bolognese sauce simmer. The result is a flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make homemade Spaghetti Bolognese step by step, plus a few simple tips for getting the most flavor out of the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Bolognese
This Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is simple, comforting and made with everyday ingredients. The rich tomato and meat sauce is easy to prepare and can also be made ahead of time for a quick dinner.
Spaghetti Bolognese Ingredients
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
For the Bolognese Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A small splash of water, if needed
For Serving
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil, optional
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and carrot and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring regularly so it does not burn.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until the meat is nicely browned. If there is a lot of excess fat in the pan, carefully remove some before continuing.
3. Add the Tomatoes
Stir the tomato paste into the beef and cook for about one minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano and basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix everything together.
4. Let the Bolognese Sauce Simmer
Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently for around 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors can develop. If it becomes too thick, add a small splash of water.
5. Cook the Spaghetti
While the Bolognese sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, reserve a little pasta water. You can use this later if you want to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve Your Spaghetti Bolognese
Drain the spaghetti and divide it between your plates. Spoon plenty of Bolognese sauce over the pasta. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and some fresh basil if you like. Serve immediately while everything is still hot.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese
One of the easiest ways to improve your Bolognese is to give the sauce enough time to simmer. Even an extra 10 or 15 minutes can help the flavors develop. Make sure the ground beef is properly browned before adding the tomatoes. Browning the meat adds more flavor to the finished sauce. You can also adjust the consistency of the sauce with a little reserved pasta water. Start with a small amount and add more only if necessary. And don’t forget the Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish that works perfectly with the tomato and meat sauce.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is filling enough to enjoy on its own, but you can easily add a side dish if you are making dinner for family or friends. A simple green salad works particularly well because it adds something fresh alongside the rich Bolognese sauce. Garlic bread or crusty bread is another delicious option and perfect for soaking up any sauce left on the plate. Roasted or grilled vegetables also make an easy side dish.
How to Store and Freeze Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese sauce is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly before serving. You can also freeze the sauce separately from the pasta and cook fresh spaghetti when you’re ready to eat.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely. While spaghetti is the classic choice for this recipe, the Bolognese sauce also works with other types of pasta. Try it with tagliatelle, rigatoni, penne or another pasta you already have at home. Pasta shapes with ridges are especially good at holding onto the rich sauce.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
If you love simple homemade pasta dishes, try my Farfalle with Pesto and Tomatoes next. It combines farfalle with green pesto, cherry tomatoes, arugula and Parmesan for a fresh and quick pasta meal. It is a great alternative when you want something lighter than a rich tomato and meat sauce.
A Simple Homemade Pasta Dinner
This homemade Spaghetti Bolognese is a simple recipe to come back to whenever you are craving a warm and comforting pasta dinner. The rich tomato and meat sauce requires only a few basic ingredients and becomes even more flavorful as it simmers.
Serve your Spaghetti Bolognese with freshly grated Parmesan, add a simple salad or some crusty bread on the side and enjoy.