Simple Spaghetti Bolognese
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, this Simple Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is the perfect choice. Made with rich ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce, it’s a timeless classic that brings everyone to the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort — a true go-to for delicious, homemade Italian cooking.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Origin of Spaghetti Bolognese
Despite its popularity worldwide, Spaghetti Bolognese as we know it is not a traditional Italian dish. Instead, it’s a global adaptation inspired by Ragù alla Bolognese, a meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy.
Ragù alla Bolognese
First recorded in the late 18th century, the traditional ragù was made with finely chopped beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, wine, milk, and sometimes tomato paste.
It was never served with spaghetti in Bologna. Instead, it’s traditionally paired with tagliatelle, a flat egg pasta that better holds the thick sauce.
The Accademia Italiana della Cucina even registered an official recipe in 1982.
How Spaghetti Bolognese Evolved
The combination of meat sauce and spaghetti is believed to have originated outside of Italy, likely by Italian immigrants in the UK, US, and Australia who adapted the recipe with ingredients on hand.
Over time, it became a staple comfort food worldwide—especially in British households—featuring ground beef, tomato sauce, and spaghetti.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 250 ml (1 cup) beef stock or red wine (optional)
- 350g (12 oz) spaghetti
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, and break it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and beef stock or wine (if using)—season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickening.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over the spaghetti. Top with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired
The Recipe
Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 carrot finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- 500 g 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can 400g / 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 250 ml 1 cup beef stock or red wine (optional)
- 350 g 12 oz spaghetti
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, and break it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and beef stock or wine (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over the spaghetti. Top with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired
Here are some great ideas to serve with your Simple Spaghetti Bolognese:
Garlic Bread – Crispy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Green Salad – A light side with mixed greens, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans work beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated on top for extra flavor.
Red Wine – A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot pairs perfectly.
