Spaghetti Bolognese

This Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is rich, hearty, and even better the next day! Make it in 30 minutes or let it simmer for hours for deeper flavor.

author’s note

a reliable Bolognese (Inspired by a Nonna in Italy!)

Back when I shared my slow cooker Beef Ragu, I also mentioned the all-day cooking class I took in Siena, Italy. Our teacher, Nonna Ciana, and her translators taught us how to make a full four-course Italian meal. It was the highlight of the trip!

After the class, one of the translators emailed me a bunch of recipes. I’ve been tweaking and sharing them here and there, and today I’m putting my own spin on the classic Bolognese.

In Italy, they serve this sauce with thicker pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle since it holds the sauce better. But at my house, it’s all about spaghetti, my kids’ favorite. So that’s what I’m serving it with today.

The “Secrets” To The Best Bolognese:

This spaghetti bolognese is the absolute best I’ve ever had! It’s rich with a deep, savory flavor. Here are the key ingredients that make up the absolute best Bolognese:

• Veggies: Soffritto (celery, onion, carrot) is the base of many Italian sauces. Slowly cooking it in olive oil builds deep flavor and sneaks in extra veggies.
• Ground Beef: Adds heartiness. I use beef bouillon instead of just salt and pepper to boost the meaty flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The main flavor of the sauce—use best quality you can find.
• Cream: Traditional Bolognese includes cream or milk. I go with heavy cream for extra richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami, like soy sauce in fried rice.
• Sugar: Just a pinch balances out acidic tomatoes.

How To Make Spaghetti Bolognese

1. Sauté the vegetables: Cook the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Build the sauce: mix in liquid, tomato paste, garlic, tomatoes, cream, and seasonings.
4. Simmer: Cook until the sauce is thick and flavorful.
5. Cook the spaghetti: Reserve some pasta water before draining.
6. Toss everything together: Add pasta water as needed and top with Parm and parsley.

Quick Tip

Vegetarians and vegans aren’t left out here! Give my Lentil Bolognese a try. And if you prefer leaner meats, check out my Turkey Bolognese recipe.

Featured Comment

“Wow! Definitely not a one-note sauce. The depth of flavor is incredible.
I used part hot & part sweet sausage because my son likes spicy.
Brava! Great recipe!”

– Beth

How To Use Leftover Bolognese Sauce

It is satisfying to making a big batch of Bolognese to use throughout the week. This recipe is straightforward to double, and extras can be frozen or used in these ways:

• Stuffed Shells: Use Bolognese sauce instead of marinara in this Stuffed Shells recipe.
• Spaghetti Squash: For a veggie-rich meal, top a roasted spaghetti squash with a few spoonfuls of sauce.
• Lasagna or Lasagna Roll-ups: This sauce works wonderfully in lasagna. It’s a big hit and straightforward to layer.
• Stuffed Peppers: Mix cooked white rice with Bolognese sauce, stuff in peppers, and bake. Add cheese and bake again.
• Italian Sloppy Joes: Heap the sauce on crusty rolls, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil until cheese melts.

chelsea’s recipe tips

My Top Tips For Success

• Watch Salt: Pasta water, bouillon, and Parm are salty, so taste before adding more.
• Toss With Pasta: Toss the sauce, pasta, and reserved pasta water together for a creamy, even coating. Short on time? Spoon sauce over pasta.
• Save Prep Time: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery in a food processor.
• Mix the Meat: Use half beef and half pork or Italian sausage for extra flavor.

What To Serve With Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

• Bruschetta: Oil brushed bread topped with tomatoes makes the reliable appetizer!
• Bread: Crispy focaccia or rolls are reliable for soaking up any sauce left on your plate.
• Caesar Salad: Fresh and crunchy, this salad is a classic side to a hearty Bolognese.
• Caprese Salad: This refreshing salad has fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, onions, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes all work well with the meaty sauce.
• Dessert: Also, make sure to save room for a classic Italian dessert: Tiramisu.

Storage

Bolognese sauce stores and reheats well, often becoming even more flavorful over time. For the best results, store the sauce separately from any pasta that’s already been mixed with sauce. Pasta tends to absorb the sauce and can become dry or bloated when stored together.

• Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Quick and straightforward.
  • Stovetop: For better flavor, reheat in a large saucepan over a medium burner. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

More Italian-Inspired Recipes:

Salads

Italian Salad Recipe

Dinner

Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

Dinner

Ragu Recipe

Dinner

Baked Tortellini

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or another 2 tablespoons olive oil)
• 3 cups diced mirepoix (carrot, celery, and onion; see note 1)
• 1 pound ground beef (93/7)
• 1/2 cup red wine (or beef broth or water)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dried bay leaves (or fresh bay leaves)
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt
• 13 to 16 ounces spaghetti (13 ounces for saucier pasta)
• skippable additions (see note 2)
• Serving suggestions (skippable, see note 3)

Method

1. Heat oil and butter in a large pot (or 6-quart Dutch oven) over a medium burner. Add mirepoix and cook until softened, about 8–10 minutes. Press to edges of pot.
2. Increase heat to high. Add beef to the center of the pot, sear, then break it up and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in red wine (or broth/water) and cook until most of the liquid evaporates.
4. mix in tomato paste and garlic and sauté 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and cook, stirring constantly, for another 1 minute.
5. mix in Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, seasonings, and cream. If serving immediately, stop here. If simmering, add 1-1/2 cups hot water.
6. Swap pot to smallest burner. Cover and cook on lowest heat for at least 1-1/2 hours up to 3 hours. If needed to prevent the sauce from sticking, stir occasionally and add more water (1/2 cup at a time).
7. When sauce has thickened to the consistency of sloppy joes, it’s ready! Adjust seasoning if needed; I typically add 1/2 teaspoon salt . Add sugar and balsamic vinegar to balance flavors if needed.
8. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Don't forget to salt the water (I add 1 tablespoon salt to 12 cups water). Reserve 1-1/2 cups of pasta water before draining.
9. skippable: Add cooked pasta directly into bolognese sauce and use tongs to toss until pasta is well coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
10. Grate fresh Parmesan on top, add fresh parsley, and enjoy!