Spaghetti Bolognese with Ground Beef

Nothing says comfort food like a big bowl of spaghetti Bolognese, and this recipe delivers all the hearty, saucy goodness you’re dreaming of. Made with tender ground beef, ripe tomatoes, and a medley of herbs, this classic Italian dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

Serves: 4 | Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 400 g spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 500 g minced beef
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

• Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Cook the Beef: Add minced beef to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
• Deglaze the Pan: (Optional) Pour in red wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Build the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and beef stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful. Remove bay leaf before serving.
• Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce or serve the sauce ladled over a bed of spaghetti.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners.