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Classic Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

This classic Italian Spaghetti Bolognese recipe features a rich and creamy tomato sauce simmered with ground beef and pork, enhanced with aromatic vegetables and a touch of red wine. It’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for a family dinner, ready in just over two hours. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete experience.

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ cup red wine
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta

  • 16 ounces spaghetti, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced carrot, celery, and onion, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
  4. Add tomato paste and sauce: Stir in the tomato paste thoroughly, then pour in the tomato sauce and mix well.
  5. Incorporate milk and seasoning: Stir in the whole milk, add the bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer the sauce: Partially cover the pan and cook over low heat for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Cook spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  8. Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce and discard. Serve the Bolognese sauce generously over the cooked spaghetti and enjoy.

Notes

  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to rest for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Serve with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
  • Ground turkey or veal can be substituted for pork or beef for a lighter variation.