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Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta recipe made with a rich and flavorful meat sauce. This hearty dish features ground beef, Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and herbs simmered in a tomato-based sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make meal pairs perfectly with spaghetti and is topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Try this traditional favorite for a delicious homemade dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery rib, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ pound ground beef (80% lean)
½ pound ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup red wine (see note 1)
18 oz crushed tomatoes (see note 2)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh sage (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
12 oz spaghetti (¾ of a 1 lb box)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Meat
Season the ground beef with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt. Add the ground beef and sausage to the saucepan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Enhance the Flavor
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with red wine, using a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, rosemary, sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well. Partially cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well.
Combine and Serve
Use kitchen tongs to toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the saucepan with the sauce, coating evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty, comforting dish made with simple, fresh ingredients. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a depth of flavor, while the aromatic vegetables and red wine bring a touch of elegance. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests.

Tips

For a richer flavor: Let the sauce simmer even longer. A slow-cooked Bolognese develops more complex flavors.
To save time: Dice vegetables in advance or use a food processor.
Cooking pasta: Always cook it to al dente and toss it directly into the sauce for better absorption.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
No wine? Use beef broth or grape juice as a substitute.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add finely diced mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based version.
Herbs: Try oregano or thyme if rosemary and sage aren’t available.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this in advance?
Yes! The sauce tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: What kind of wine should I use?
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best.

Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Tagliatelle, pappardelle, or penne work well with this sauce.

Serving

Serve this dish hot with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad. For a complete meal, pair it with a glass of the same wine used in the recipe.

Suggestions

Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Top with extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Use leftover sauce for lasagna or as a pizza topping.