Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring a rich and hearty meat sauce served over spaghetti. The sauce, known as “ragù alla Bolognese,” originates from Bologna, Italy, and traditionally includes ground meat, tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and wine. Here’s a detailed recipe for making authentic spaghetti Bolognese:

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup red or white wine
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
• Salt, for the pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the ground beef (and pork, if using) to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
   • Pour in the wine and let it simmer until it has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Finish the Sauce:
   • If using, stir the milk or cream into the sauce and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
   • Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve:
   • Toss the cooked spaghetti with a portion of the Bolognese sauce to coat the pasta evenly.
   • Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and top with additional sauce.
   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Meat: Traditional Bolognese uses a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor. You can also add pancetta for extra depth.
• Tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes or tomato passata for the best results.
• Wine: Red or white wine can be used, but red wine adds a deeper flavor.
• Simmering: The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavors will meld. Aim for at least 1 hour, but up to 2-3 hours if you have the time.
• Pasta: While spaghetti is popular, other pasta shapes like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine are also traditional.

Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures of this classic Italian favorite!