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Classic Italian Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

The Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is one of the most beloved pasta dishes worldwide. Known for its rich meat sauce simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and wine, it’s a true classic of Italian cuisine. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make an authentic Italian Bolognese from scratch, with step-by-step instructions, variations, and expert tips to perfect your homemade pasta dish.

Classic Italian Spaghetti Bolognese — a timeless pasta dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 1 hour • Total: 1h 15m • Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) dried spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
• 250 ml (1 cup) beef stock
• 125 ml (½ cup) red wine (optional, but recommended)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese Step by Step

1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Add flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until reduced.
4. Build the sauce: Add canned tomatoes, beef stock, oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
5. Simmer slowly: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally until thickened and rich.
6. Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.
7. Combine & serve: Toss the spaghetti with a portion of the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed. Serve with extra sauce on top, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan.

Tips for the Best Bolognese Sauce

• Slow cooking is key: The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or thyme adds brightness and authenticity to the sauce.
• Wine adds depth: A splash of red wine enhances the richness, but you can replace it with extra stock if preferred.
• Mix of meats: Using both beef and pork creates a more complex flavor profile.
• Freeze for later: Bolognese sauce freezes beautifully — perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Variations

You can adapt this Italian pasta recipe to suit your taste:

• Vegetarian option: Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based mince for a hearty vegetarian bolognese.
• Spicy twist: Add chili flakes for a little kick.
• Creamier sauce: Stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end for a silky finish.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 520 | Protein: 28 g | Carbohydrates: 65 g | Fat: 18 g | Fiber: 7 g

Why This Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Works

This classic Italian spaghetti bolognese recipe is more than just pasta with sauce — it’s comfort food at its best. The combination of slow-cooked meat, rich tomato flavor, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that brings family and friends together. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Pair your homemade spaghetti bolognese with a fresh green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete Italian meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. Leftovers can be turned into a baked pasta casserole the next day, making this recipe as versatile as it is delicious.

Try this classic Italian pasta recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! For more authentic Italian recipes, explore the rest of our food blog.