Nothing beats a warm plate of homemade spaghetti topped with a rich and savory meat sauce. This classic Spaghetti Bolognese recipe combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
For the Pasta
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, sugar, and bay leaves. Mix well.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Step 6: Combine
Remove bay leaves from the sauce. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency. Toss spaghetti with the sauce or serve sauce over the pasta.
Step 7: Serve
Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
✔ Simmer the sauce longer for deeper flavor.
✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese.
✔ Add a splash of red wine while simmering for restaurant-quality taste.
✔ Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
✔ Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade spaghetti bolognese delivers the perfect combination of tender pasta and rich, slow-simmered meat sauce. It’s easy enough for beginners, satisfying enough for a family dinner, and delicious enough to become a regular favorite. The balance of tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and beef creates a classic Italian-inspired comfort food that never goes out of style.