Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary masterpiece with this mouthwatering Spaghetti Bolognaise recipe that's been passed down through generations! Imagine a rich, hearty sauce that's so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. This isn't just another pasta sauce - this is Auntie Wendy's special recipe that turns a simple meal into a comfort food experience that'll have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti, for serving
Instructions
- Take a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef until it's completely browned and no pink remains, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat if desired, leaving a small amount for flavor and cooking the vegetables.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté with the beef until the onions become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely and add them to the beef and onion mixture. Sauté for another 30-60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the beef and onion mixture. Add the tomato paste and mix thoroughly to create a rich, deep color and intense tomato flavor.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, partially covered, for approximately 35-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a separate large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or oregano to suit your preference.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and serve hot, topping with the freshly prepared Bolognaise sauce. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful sauce, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 works best) • Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow is the key to developing deep, rich flavors • Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef, but leave a small amount for added richness • Fresh garlic makes a huge difference - avoid pre-minced garlic if possible • For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine during the sautéing stage • Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to help it thicken naturally • If you have time, this sauce tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
