Easy Bolognese pasta recipe for beginners

Ingredients

• 2 stalks Celery (minced)
• 2 medium Carrots (minced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 large Onion (minced)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean) (trimmed)
• 1 cup Tomato Puree (canned or jarred)
• 1 28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
• 1 cup Tomato Sauce (canned)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
• 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
• 1 cube Chicken Bouillon (optional)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
• 12 oz Spaghetti (or preferred pasta) (cooked al dente)

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables

   Trim and mince the celery, carrots, garlic, and onion into small dice.

   Time: PT10M

2. Heat Pan

   Place a large skillet over medium‑high heat and add a splash of oil.

   Time: PT2M

3. Sauté Vegetables

   Add the minced celery, carrots, garlic, and onion to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes until translucent.

   Time: PT2M

4. Brown Ground Beef

   Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until it turns a golden brown color.

   Time: PT3M

5. Incorporate Tomato Puree

   Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes, mixing well.

   Time: PT2M

6. Add Tomatoes and Broth

   Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, chicken bouillon cube, and thyme. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT2M

7. Simmer Sauce

   Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT2H

8. Finish Sauce with Butter

   After 2 hours, stir in the butter until melted and the sauce becomes glossy.

   Time: PT2M

9. Cook Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: boiling

10. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Bolognese sauce, toss to coat evenly. Serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

4 g