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Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese

Updated February 12, 2026

A straightforward weeknight meat sauce with ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. Simple one-pot technique that simmers in 30 minutes while the pasta cooks.

For a richer sauce, add 2-3 tablespoons butter at the end. If sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance flavors.

Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.

Cook time
1 hr
Rating
…

Ingredients

Scale
Measurement units
  • 1 lb Spaghetti
  • 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes

Instructions

Cook onion
Heat olive oil (2 tbsp) in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion (1 medium) and cook until softened.
Equipment: Large pot
Brown the beef
Add ground beef (1 lb) to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Cook until browned throughout.
Equipment: Wooden spoon
Add garlic and tomato paste
Add minced garlic (3 cloves) and tomato paste (3 tbsp).
Cook, stirring frequently, until paste darkens slightly and garlic is fragrant.
Add tomatoes and seasonings
Stir in crushed tomatoes (28 oz), dried oregano (2 tsp), and red pepper flakes (1 pinch) if using.
Season with salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (½ tsp). Bring to a simmer.
Simmer the sauce
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of water if sauce becomes too thick.
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook spaghetti (1 lb) according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Equipment: Large pasta pot, Colander
Combine and serve
Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Serve immediately with grated Parmesan (½ cup) if desired.

Tomorrow's Meal

Bolognese-Stuffed Garlic Bread

Hollow out Italian bread, pack with cold Bolognese, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly

You'll need to pick up:

1 Italian loaf or baguette1 cup shredded mozzarella2 tablespoons butter (for garlic bread)

Quick overview:

  1. 1.Preheat oven to 400°F
  2. 2.Slice bread lengthwise, hollow out centers leaving 1-inch walls
  3. 3.Brush insides with melted garlic butter
  4. 4.Pack leftover Bolognese into bread boats
  5. 5.Top with shredded mozzarella
  6. 6.Bake 12-15 minutes until cheese bubbles and bread edges crisp
  7. 7.Slice into portions and serve hot

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