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A steaming bowl of classic spaghetti Bolognese topped with fresh basil.

Best way to grow your perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

Master the art of authentic Spaghetti Bolognese with this comprehensive guide. Learn to create a deeply flavorful sauce that is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring a rich and comforting pasta dish every time.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Bolognese Sauce
  • 500 g Ground Beef
  • 100 g Pancetta or Bacon finely diced
  • 1 large Onion finely chopped
  • 2 Carrots finely chopped
  • 2 Celery Stalks finely chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 800 g Crushed Tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 250 ml Dry Red Wine
  • 250 ml Beef Broth
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
To Serve
  • 400 g Spaghetti
  • 50 g Parmesan Cheese grated, for serving
  • Fresh Basil for garnish

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

Cooking the Bolognese
  1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the crispy pancetta/bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and any liquid has evaporated, draining any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Cover the pot and let the Bolognese simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or up to 3 hours for deeper flavor, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thick and rich.
  7. Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken further, then stir in the chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning.
  8. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
  9. Serve the Bolognese sauce over hot spaghetti, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, along with the reserved crispy pancetta/bacon.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, prepare the Bolognese sauce a day in advance and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently before serving with freshly cooked pasta.