Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary on YouTube.
Prep: 4 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $12.50 total, $3.13 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 medium Carrot (Grated or finely diced)
- 1 stalk Celery (Finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Canned, preferably double concentrated)
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (San Marzano style if available)
- 0.5 cup Red Wine (Optional, adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Ground)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (Ground)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 12 ounces Spaghetti (Durum wheat, broken into thirds for easier handling)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
Instructions
Prepare vegetables
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the carrot, and finely dice the celery. Set aside.
Time: PT4M
Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with the wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Deglaze with wine
Pour in the red wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce for about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Add tomato paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Add tomatoes and herbs
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Simmer the sauce
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: low simmer
Cook the spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 6 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: boiling
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to achieve a silky texture.
Time: PT2M
Plate and garnish
Divide the spaghetti among plates or a serving bowl and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 28g
- Carbohydrates
- 65g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery: Bell pepper
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato puree (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups)
- Instead of Red Wine: Beef broth (0.5 cup)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Instead of Dried Basil: Fresh basil (1 tbsp, added at end)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Spaghetti: Gluten‑free pasta
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Saucepan
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef until fully cooked
- Simmering the sauce to develop flavor
- Cooking spaghetti al dente
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash of milk or cream at the end of cooking for a richer mouthfeel
- Finish the sauce with a knob of butter for extra shine
- A pinch of sugar can balance acidity if needed
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery
Simmer uncovered a few minutes longer or stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken.
Pasta is overcooked
Cook pasta al dente according to package timing, testing a minute before the suggested time; rinse briefly with hot water if overcooked.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freezer: Freeze sauce in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave the cooked dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and reheated; it often tastes better after the flavors meld.
- If making pasta ahead, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and reheat briefly with sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Spaghetti Bolognese in Italian cuisine?
Spaghetti Bolognese, known in Italy as "Ragù alla Bolognese," originates from Bologna and traditionally accompanies tagliatelle. It reflects Italy’s regional emphasis on slow‑cooked meat sauces and has become a global comfort food symbol of Italian culinary heritage.
What are the traditional regional variations of Spaghetti Bolognese in Italy?
In Bologna the sauce is made with minced pork, beef, pancetta, and a soffritto of carrots, celery, and onion, simmered with wine and milk. Southern versions may add tomatoes earlier, while northern regions sometimes use veal or add a splash of cream for richness.
How is Spaghetti Bolognese traditionally served in Italy?
Traditionally the ragù is served over broad, flat pasta such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, not spaghetti. It is topped with a modest shaving of Parmigiano‑Reggiano and enjoyed with a glass of red wine.
What occasions or celebrations is Spaghetti Bolognese traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Ragù alla Bolognese is a staple for family meals, Sunday lunches, and festive gatherings. It is often prepared for holidays like Christmas Eve or for communal celebrations where a hearty, shared dish is appreciated.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic Spaghetti Bolognese versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ragù uses a mix of beef and pork, pancetta, carrots, celery, onion, dry white wine, milk, and San Marzano tomatoes. Acceptable substitutes include ground turkey for a leaner option, beef broth instead of wine, and canned crushed tomatoes when fresh are unavailable.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Spaghetti Bolognese?
A simple green salad with lemon‑olive oil dressing, garlic‑bread, or roasted vegetables complement the richness of the sauce. For a full Italian meal, serve with antipasto such as cured meats and olives.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spaghetti Bolognese at home?
Common errors include overcooking the vegetables before the meat, not browning the beef enough, adding too much liquid which prevents thickening, and overcooking the pasta. Follow the browning and simmering steps carefully for depth of flavor.
Why does this Spaghetti Bolognese recipe use simmering instead of pressure cooking?
Simmering allows the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and tomatoes to meld slowly, creating a richer, more nuanced sauce. Pressure cooking can shorten the flavor development and may result in a harsher texture.
Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese ahead of time and how should I store Spaghetti Bolognese?
Yes, the sauce improves after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Cooked pasta should be stored separately and combined just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Kitchen Sanctuary specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kitchen Sanctuary specializes in approachable, home‑cooked meals that focus on comfort classics, step‑by‑step guidance, and practical tips for everyday cooks.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Kitchen Sanctuary?
Kitchen Sanctuary emphasizes simplicity, flavor, and confidence in the kitchen, offering clear visual instructions, minimal ingredient lists, and encouragement for home cooks to experiment without intimidation.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
