In my household, Italian cuisine is undoubtedly the top choice. It’s straightforward, yet delightful flavors are loved by people of all ages, and my daughter particularly enjoys pasta. There’s something magical about the way a simple dish can bring everyone together around the dinner table, and Pasta Bolognese is a shining example of that magic. This classic Italian favorite owes its widespread appeal to its incredible flexibility; you can make it as straightforward or intricate as you desire. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weekday dinner or planning a more elaborate weekend celebration, Pasta Bolognese fits the bill perfectly.
One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. You can prepare it with or without red wine, and regardless of your choice, it will still be delicious. If you’re short on time, you can follow the recipe’s cooking time for a satisfying meal in a hurry. However, if you have a little extra time to spare, letting it simmer longer will deepen the flavors and create an even richer sauce that your family will rave about. Just remember to keep an eye on the consistency; if your sauce starts to dry out, adding a splash of pasta water can work wonders.
In this post, I’ll share my go-to Pasta Bolognese recipe along with some time-saving tips that make this dish not only delicious but also efficient to prepare. So grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of Italian cooking—where every bite tells a story and every meal is an opportunity to create lasting memories!
Pasta Bolognese
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti or your pasta of choice
- 200g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 2 garlic cloves
- 400g can of chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 125ml red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Prepp
- Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery
- Finely dice the carrot
- Finely dice the celery
- Mince the garlic.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Â Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet.
- Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Add the ground beef back into the skillet.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add the dried oregano and basil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to combine. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.Â
Enjoy your homemade Pasta Bolognese!
