Spaghetti Bolognese (Rich Italian Meat Sauce)
There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of spaghetti bolognese. The rich meat sauce clings to every strand of pasta, and the smell alone is enough to gather everyone around the table.
This recipe keeps things simple and traditional. With a low and slow simmer, humble ingredients turn into a sauce that tastes like it came from a small kitchen in Bologna.
What Is Spaghetti Bolognese?
Spaghetti bolognese is a pasta dish served with a slow cooked meat sauce called ragù. The sauce originated in Bologna, Italy, where it is traditionally made with ground meat, soffritto, tomato, and a splash of milk or wine. You can read more about its roots in this history of ragù.
Outside Italy, the dish has become one of the most loved comfort foods in the world. It is hearty, affordable, and easy to make on a weeknight.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This bolognese is rich without being heavy. A long gentle simmer builds deep flavor, and a little milk keeps the meat tender.
It also makes fantastic leftovers. The sauce tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully for busy weeks.
Ingredients You Will Need
You only need simple pantry staples for this recipe. The full list with exact amounts is in the recipe card below, but here is what to have ready: spaghetti, ground beef, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, milk, olive oil, and Italian herbs.
Use good quality canned tomatoes if you can. They make a noticeable difference in the final sauce.
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese
Cook the soffritto
Soften finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until sweet and golden. This trio, called soffritto, is the backbone of a great bolognese.
Brown the meat
Add the ground beef and cook until deeply browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Do not rush this step, because browning adds so much flavor.
Simmer the sauce
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, milk, and herbs. Let the sauce bubble gently for at least 45 minutes, stirring now and then.
Toss with pasta
Cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Toss it directly in the sauce with a splash of pasta water and plenty of grated Parmesan.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until deeply browned, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and milk. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Toss the spaghetti with the bolognese sauce, adding pasta water as needed to loosen. Serve hot with grated Parmesan.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Tips for the Best Bolognese
Let the sauce simmer longer if you have time. An hour or more gives you a silkier, richer result.
For more Italian inspiration, try our Homemade Italian Lasagna or this Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe for busy nights. If you love creamy sauces, our Creamy Alfredo Pasta is a reader favorite, and you can learn how to make traditional pesto sauce from scratch too. Pasta lovers should also try our Spaghetti Carbonara and Baked Ziti.
For extra technique tips from the pros, Serious Eats has excellent guides on building flavor in meat sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bolognese ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and actually tastes better as the flavors meld. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.
Can I freeze bolognese sauce?
Absolutely. Cool it completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What is the best pasta for bolognese?
Spaghetti is the classic choice outside Italy. Tagliatelle is traditional in Bologna because its wide ribbons hold the sauce well. Both work beautifully.
Can I make it with ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter option. Add a little extra olive oil since leaner meat can dry out.
The Bottom Line
This spaghetti bolognese is the kind of recipe you will return to again and again. It is simple, satisfying, and full of slow cooked flavor. Give it a try this week and enjoy every comforting bite.
About the Author
Luke is the home cook and writer behind Lumomint Foods. He spends his time testing comforting, practical recipes from around the world and writing them up in plain, easy language for everyday cooks.