Easy spaghetti Bolognese

20 min.
Welcome the comfort of a home-cooked favorite with our easy spaghetti Bolognese. This cherished dish envelopes cooked spaghetti in a rich Bolognese sauce. Garnished with fresh basil, it is the perfect meal for a quick family dinner that is sure to please any day of the week.

Ingredients

4 portions

Instructions

FAQ: Questions about easy spaghetti Bolognese

Are you intrigued by our easy spaghetti Bolognese recipe? We have answered some of the most common questions to help you prepare this dish.
What is the best way to reheat spaghetti Bolognese?

To warm up your spaghetti Bolognese, heat the sauce with a little water in a pan over medium heat until it is hot. If your sauce and pasta are already mixed and stored in the fridge, you can reheat them together in the oven at 180 °C. It is best not to reheat spaghetti on its own, as it can get too soft. If you just need to heat the sauce, using the microwave is the quickest and easiest way. Place the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it lightly, and warm it in short intervals. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce?

Yes, you can freeze Bolognese sauce. First, let the sauce cool completely. Then, pour it into a container with a secure lid. Freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready for another serving, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it until it is steaming. Serve it with freshly cooked spaghetti, as freezing pasta can change its texture.

How is Bolognese sauce different from regular spaghetti sauce?

Bolognese sauce is a savory, meat-based tomato sauce typically made with minced beef and simmered with a mix of herbs and aromatic ingredients for a full-bodied flavor. Spaghetti sauce, also known as marinara, is usually a vegetarian option that relies on tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions. The main difference is that Bolognese uses meat to develop a richer taste, unlike the simpler marinara.

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Tips: Cook easy spaghetti Bolognese

Take your easy spaghetti Bolognese to the next level with these helpful tips. Learn how to prepare the dish and store leftovers.

Make ahead of time

Prepare the Bolognese sauce in advance. Cool the sauce to room temperature, pour it into a freezer-safe container and transfer to the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, defrost the sauce in the fridge overnight and warm it up in a saucepan until it is hot.

Cook al dente pasta

Cooking the pasta “al dente” means boiling the pasta until it is firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta retains its texture and does not become overly soft or mushy. It should have a slight firmness in the center when you chew it. Once the pasta is drained, toss it with the sauce to coat each strand.

Storing leftovers

Bolognese sauce can last for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. To maximize its shelf life, ensure that the sauce is cooled to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

Make a quick and easy spaghetti Bolognese

Our easy spaghetti Bolognese recipe is designed to make your everyday cooking quicker and easier, especially when you are short on time. This dish maintains the rich, deep flavors that Bolognese is famous for, using only a few key ingredients. It combines minced meat with a creamy pasta sauce. It is one of the most popular spaghetti dishes worldwide, and with our recipe, you can easily enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or any meal in between.

Minced meat fried in butter for savory flavors

To make a great Bolognese, you need a great meat base. In our recipe, we have made sure to fry the meat in butter and rapeseed oil. The butter imparts a deep, savory richness to the meat that enhances its natural flavors. As the meat browns, it develops a delightful texture with a tender bite to it, guaranteeing a meal that you and your family to enjoy.

Rich and creamy tomato sauce

Spaghetti Bolognese is renowned for its three main components: the spaghetti, the meat, and the sauce. Every component needs to work together. creating a velvety-smooth consistency. When mixed with the meat and pasta, the sauce beautifully clings to each ingredient. For an aromatic finish, top the dish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Prepare a classic pasta dish in 20 minutes

In just about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a plate of aromatic, delicious spaghetti Bolognese. Our recipe is simple and straightforward, capturing all the essential elements of traditional Italian Bolognese with simplified ingredients. This allows you to prepare a scrumptious Bolognese without spending too much time in the kitchen. It is ideal for lunch or as a quick, twenty-minute dinner solution.

For other classic pasta dishes, have a look at this quick mac and cheese or the Prawn Fettuccine with Béchamel Sauce.

Add your own touch

When it comes to our recipes, we always encourage getting creative and adding your own personal touch to each dish. For instance, vegetables are great for adding flavor and texture to the sauce. Cut onions, mushrooms, or bell pepper and fry them in oil. They will add a richer and more earthy flavor.

Incorporating a sprinkle of your favorite spices can also elevate the dish with layers of complexity and nuance. Smoked paprika introduces a warm, smoky element, while chili flakes add a distinctive heat. Both spices are excellent for balancing the overall richness of the dish.

Similarly, explore different pasta varieties if you are looking to change things up. Instead of spaghetti, try tagliatelle, fettuccine, or pappardelle, all of which are excellent at holding sauce. Whether you choose regular or wholewheat pasta is entirely up to you. Both options are great for our easy spaghetti Bolognese.

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