Name: Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 lb ground beef (85 or 90%); ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper; ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; ⅓ cup dry red wine; ¼ cup water; 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 dried bay leaf; 8-12 oz pasta (spaghetti recommended)

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Indulging in a plate of Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner transports you straight to the heart of Italian comfort food. The rich, meaty sauce, bursting with flavor, envelops each strand of spaghetti, creating a dish that warms both the belly and the spirit. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug after a long day, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. There’s something reassuring about a homemade sauce bubbling away on the stovetop, filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of onions, garlic, and tomatoes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner

Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner

I remember the first time I whipped up this recipe—my kitchen was a chaotic blend of chopping and stirring, music playing in the background. And when I finally sat down to relish a steaming bowl, it felt like an accomplishment that went beyond cooking. This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a canvas for your personal touch—swap in different herbs, or add a splash of cream if you like a creamier sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner solo, this dish will leave you feeling satisfied and delighted. So grab your apron and let’s make something delicious together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just about an hour, with only 15 minutes of prep time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of herbs, beef, and tomatoes creates a mouthwatering depth of flavor you can’t resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A colorful, hearty plate of spaghetti will impress anyone at your dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep—enjoy it whenever!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable with gluten-free pasta or by using ground turkey or lentils for a lighter choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your base for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a lovely richness to the sauce.
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion): It lends sweetness and depth. Yellow onions are recommended, but feel free to use sweet onions for a milder flavor.
2 tablespoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings warmth and aroma; avoid pre-minced for the best flavor.
1 lb ground beef (85% or 90% lean): A flavorful foundation for your sauce, but Italian sausage can add a delicious twist.
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances flavors; you can adjust according to your taste.
¼ teaspoon cracked pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper provides a subtle heat.
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper: For a touch of spice, adjust according to your preference.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: This concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing overall flavor.
⅓ cup dry red wine: Adds complexity; if you prefer, you can substitute with broth for a non-alcoholic version.
¼ cup water: Helps to loosen the sauce.
28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes: The star ingredient; whole tomatoes give a fresh taste, but diced or crushed will work too.
2 teaspoons dried basil or 10 torn basil leaves: Fresh basil adds bright flavor; dry works beautifully if fresh isn’t available.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: A subtle herb that complements the other flavors.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian flavor, bringing aroma and taste.
1 dried bay leaf: Adds a lovely, simmered depth to the sauce.
8-12 oz pasta for serving: Spaghetti is a classic choice for this dish, but any similarly shaped pasta will do.

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner

Heat oil: In a large pan, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready once it shimmers lightly.

Sauté onion: Add 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. This step builds a sweet foundation for your sauce.

Add garlic: Mix in 2 tablespoons minced garlic and allow it to cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The aroma will be fantastic!

Brown the meat: Add 1 lb ground beef, sprinkling ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper over the beef. Cook while crumbling the meat until browned. Don’t forget to drain excess grease as needed for a leaner sauce.

Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar to the pan, cooking and stirring almost continuously. Allow the tomato paste to caramelize for about 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Deglaze with wine: Drizzle in ⅓ cup dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Allow it to cook for about 3-5 minutes until reduced by half and the alcohol smell dissipates.

Add tomatoes: Stir in ¼ cup water and the entire can of 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as you go.

Season the sauce: Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and add 1 dried bay leaf. Mix everything together, ensuring the bay leaf is submerged. Reduce the heat and let it simmer. The longer, the better—at least 30 minutes is recommended, stirring occasionally.

Prepare pasta: While your sauce is simmering, start cooking your desired pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.

Combine pasta and sauce: If you prefer a fully integrated dish, add the drained pasta to the meat sauce along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir well and let it simmer until the sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, just a few minutes will do.

Serve and enjoy: Ladle onto plates, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Bolognese!

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftover spaghetti bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it; just be sure to use a freezer-safe container, which will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but a splash of water or a quick round in the microwave should help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to cook your meat thoroughly for that perfect texture. Ground beef should easily brown, so don’t rush this step!
Chop your vegetables uniformly for even cooking—nobody likes a crunchy bit of onion!
If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Want to elevate your sauce? Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Experiment with additional vegetables, like diced carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.
This sauce can be frozen in meal-sized portions for ready-made dinners in the future!

This flavorful classic is just waiting for you to enjoy. Whether it becomes a weeknight staple or a special occasion celebration, every bite brings warmth and satisfaction. You may even find it becomes a new family favorite, just like it did in mine. So go ahead, try out this recipe for Spaghetti Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce Pasta Dinner and savor each delightful bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld even further. Just reheat on the stove before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative. Just remember it may yield a slightly different flavor and texture, so you might want to add more seasoning to make up for it.

Is this sauce suitable for freezing?

Yes! The meat sauce freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Separate into smaller portions for convenient future meals.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

No problem! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative for a hearty vegetarian sauce. Just follow the instructions the same way, adjusting cooking times for your alternative as needed.