Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese

Serves 6 449 kcal per serving Prep 20 min Cook 1 h 30 min

Ingredients

  • 2 onions
  • 1tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 500g lean minced beef
  • 90g mushrooms
  • 1tsp dried oregano
  • 400g can tomatoes
  • 300ml hot beef stock
  • 1tbsp tomato puree
  • 1tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 350g spaghetti
  • Topping parmesan

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onions. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, add the onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  2. Add the garlic and the minced beef, increase the heat and cook, breaking up the meat, until browned. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and dried oregano and cook for a further couple of minutes.
  3. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, tomato purée, hot beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente, following the packet instructions. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil if desired.
  5. Combine the spaghetti with the meat sauce or spoon the sauce over the pasta. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan on top.

Tips

  • Simmer the sauce for at least 2 hours to allow the meat to break down and the flavors to fully integrate.
  • Add a splash of whole milk halfway through cooking to tenderize the beef and create a richer, silkier texture.
  • Finish the pasta in the sauce with a ladle of starchy pasta water to help the meat cling to the spaghetti.

Variations

  • Lentil Bolognese: Replace half or all of the ground beef with brown lentils for a high-fiber vegetarian version.
  • Hidden Veg: Grate zucchini or finely mince mushrooms into the sauce for extra nutrition and moisture.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

  • Top with a generous mound of freshly grated Parmesan and a few leaves of torn basil.
  • Serve with a side of buttery garlic bread to mop up the remaining sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as Ragu alla Bolognese?

While similar, authentic Italian Ragu is usually served with tagliatelle rather than spaghetti and uses less tomato than the international version.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes, but ground turkey is leaner, so you may need to add a little extra olive oil to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Why is my sauce watery?

You likely didn’t simmer it long enough. Let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.

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