Best Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

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Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a classic comfort food that's loved by everyone: Spaghetti Bolognese. Forget those jarred sauces – we're going all-in on a delicious homemade version that's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing your friends with your cooking skills. Get ready to create a rich, flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why Homemade Bolognese?

Okay, let's get real. Why bother making your own Bolognese sauce when you can just grab a jar from the store? Well, let me tell you, the difference is night and day! Homemade Bolognese is all about fresh ingredients and building layers of flavor that you just can't replicate with pre-made stuff. When you make it yourself, you get to control every single element, from the quality of the meat to the herbs and spices that go in. You can customize it to your exact taste, making it as rich, spicy, or savory as you like.

Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about creating a meal from scratch. It's like you're putting a little bit of love into every bite. And trust me, your family and friends will taste the difference. They'll appreciate the effort you put in, and you'll feel like a total rockstar in the kitchen. So, ditch the jar and let's get cooking! You won't regret it, and you might just find your new favorite Sunday tradition.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make the best homemade spaghetti Bolognese, you'll need a few key ingredients. Don't worry, most of them are pantry staples, and the rest are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here's what you'll need: — Strictly Come Dancing: Inside The Digital Spy Forums

  • Ground Meat: The foundation of our Bolognese! I recommend using a mix of ground beef and ground pork for the best flavor and texture. The beef gives it that classic meaty taste, while the pork adds richness and depth. About 1 pound of each should do the trick.
  • Pancetta (Optional): If you want to take your Bolognese to the next level, add some diced pancetta. It's like bacon's fancy Italian cousin, and it adds a smoky, salty flavor that's just divine. A few ounces will do the trick.
  • Veggies: A mirepoix is essential for any good sauce. That's a fancy French term for a mix of diced onions, carrots, and celery. These veggies add sweetness, depth, and complexity to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Because what's a good Italian dish without garlic? I like to use a generous amount – about 3-4 cloves, minced.
  • Tomato Paste: This adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. A couple of tablespoons should be perfect.
  • Canned Tomatoes: You can use crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or even whole peeled tomatoes. If you use whole tomatoes, just crush them with your hands before adding them to the pot.
  • Dry Red Wine: A splash of red wine adds a layer of richness and complexity to the sauce. Use a dry red wine like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot.
  • Beef Broth: This adds moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer.
  • Milk: Yes, you read that right! A splash of milk might sound weird, but it helps to tenderize the meat and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
  • Herbs & Spices: We'll need dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. These add warmth, aroma, and depth to the sauce.
  • Spaghetti: Of course, you can't have spaghetti Bolognese without spaghetti! Use your favorite brand and cook it according to the package directions.
  • Parmesan Cheese: For serving! Because what's spaghetti Bolognese without a generous grating of Parmesan cheese?

Make sure you have all of these ingredients on hand before you start cooking. It'll make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, now for the fun part: making the Bolognese sauce! Don't be intimidated – it's easier than you think. Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you'll be enjoying a delicious homemade Bolognese in no time: — Lisa Cook: Is She On The Supreme Court?

  1. Sauté the Pancetta (Optional): If you're using pancetta, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it's crispy and golden brown. Remove the pancetta from the pot and set it aside.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned on all sides. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until they're softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This will add a deeper flavor to the sauce.
  5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
  6. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the canned tomatoes, beef broth, milk, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  7. Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  8. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
  9. Combine & Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the Bolognese sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot and toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and the crispy pancetta (if using).

Tips for the Perfect Bolognese

Want to take your Bolognese game to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve Bolognese perfection: — Spencer Matthews: Podcasts & More

  • Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be. Splurge on good-quality ground meat, canned tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Don't Rush the Simmering Process: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the richer it will become. Aim for at least 2-3 hours, but even longer is better.
  • Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
  • Add a Touch of Cream: For an extra-rich and decadent Bolognese, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking.
  • Make It Ahead of Time: Bolognese sauce actually tastes better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.

Variations & Add-Ins

The beauty of homemade Bolognese is that you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and add-ins to get you started:

  • Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
  • Vegetarian Bolognese: Substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  • Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to change the flavor profile of the sauce.
  • Add Wine: Instead of the dry red wine, you can use marsala wine to boost the flavor of the dish.

Enjoy Your Homemade Bolognese!

There you have it – a delicious and easy homemade spaghetti Bolognese recipe that's sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ins to make it your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!