Spaghetti Bolognese

One of the classics, this best-loved pasta dish of all times, is Spaghetti Bolognese. The easy-to-make meat sauce is brimming with flavor, easy to make, hearty, and delicious. My family loves it so much, they even eat it spooned over crusty bread!

***You’ll find the full recipe with detailed steps in the recipe card at the end of this post.***

What is Spaghetti Bolognese?

Spaghetti bolognese is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that pairs long strands of spaghetti with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce. The sauce, often called “ragù alla bolognese”, is made by gently cooking ground beef (sometimes mixed with pork), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of red wine until everything melds into a thick, flavorful ragù. Served ladled over al dente spaghetti and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that combines tender pasta with savory, tomato-based meat sauce in every bite.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Bolognese

• Olive oil: Used to cook the onion and garlic at the start.
• Garlic: Gives the sauce its classic garlicky taste.
• Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and a flavorful base.
• Lean ground beef: Meat with little fat, so the sauce isn’t too oily.
• Dry red wine: Loosens browned bits in the pan and adds flavor (broth or grape juice works in a pinch).
• Granulated beef bouillon: A quick boost of beef flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes: The chunky tomato base of the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Thick tomato concentrate that makes the sauce richer.
• Sugar: A small pinch to soften the tomatoes’ sharpness.
• Italian seasoning: Dried herb mix (usually oregano, basil, thyme) for an Italian vibe.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a tiny pinch for warm background flavor—optional.
• Salt: Brings out all the flavors; add to taste.
• Pepper: 
• Spaghetti: Long pasta that holds the sauce well; cook until just firm.
• Parmesan cheese: Grate on top for a salty, cheesy finish.

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and saute the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Pour in the red wine and simmer until the alcohol evaporates, about one minute. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen up all the stuck bits and pieces.
4. Stir in the beef bouillon, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, and ground cinnamon.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about one hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a thicker sauce, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve over freshly cooked spaghetti. Add a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top!

Can I Freeze Bolognese Sauce?

Absolutely! This sauce freezes well. Let it come to room temperature and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop, or simply microwave until hot. Don’t freeze the spaghetti with the sauce!

Can I Add Veggies to my Bolognese Sauce?

Yes, actually authentic Bolognese sauce includes finely chopped carrots, celery, and onions. They add sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.

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