Best Pasta Bolognese

Here’s a classic and flavorful Spaghetti Bolognese recipe with a rich, slow-cooked sauce for that authentic Italian taste.

Best Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery sticks, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional, but adds depth)
• ½ cup (120 ml) red wine (or beef broth as a substitute)
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup milk (optional, for a creamy texture)
• Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for garnish
• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce Base:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
   • Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until softened (about 5–7 minutes).
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
   • Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef (and pork, if using), and cook until browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add Wine and Tomato Paste:
   • Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until most of it has evaporated. This adds a rich depth to the sauce.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. (For even more depth, let it simmer up to 2 hours.)
5. Add Milk for Creaminess (Optional):
   • Stir in the milk during the last 20 minutes of cooking. This helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and gives a smoother, richer sauce.
6. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf from the sauce, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   • Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, or serve the sauce on top of the pasta.
   • Garnish with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Bolognese

• Slow Cook: The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
• Milk: Adding milk is a traditional touch that adds creaminess and balances the acidity.