Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

### Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe **Authentic Italian-inspired meat sauce simmered to perfection, tossed with al dente spaghetti.** Readthis Which chicken recipe always impresses guests but is secretly super easy #### **Ingredients**: - **For the Bolognese Sauce**: - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 carrots, finely diced - 2 celery stalks, finely diced - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or mix beef

- 150g (5 oz) pancetta or bacon, finely chopped *(optional but recommended)* - 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine *(e.g., Chianti)* - 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes - 2 tbsp tomato paste - 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth - ½ cup (120ml) whole milk - 2 bay leaves - 1 tsp dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - Pinch of sugar *(balances acidity)* - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish) - **For Serving**: - 400g (14 oz) spaghetti - Grated Parmesan cheese #### **Instructions**: 1. **Sauté Aromatics**: - Heat **olive oil** in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. - Add **onion, carrots, and celery**. Cook for 8–10 minutes until soft. - Stir in **garlic** and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 2. **Brown the Meat**: - Add **pancetta/bacon** (if using) and cook until crispy (3–4 mins). - Add **ground beef**, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (8–10 mins). Drain excess fat. 3. **Deglaze and Simmer**: - Pour in **red wine**, scraping the pot bottom to lift browned bits. Simmer 5 mins until reduced by half. - Add **crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, milk, bay leaves, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar**. Stir well. 4. **Slow-Cook the Sauce**: - Reduce heat to **low**. Cover partially and simmer for **1.5–2 hours**, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich. *(Add water if too dry.)* - Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. 5. **Cook the Spaghetti**: - Boil **spaghetti** in salted water until **al dente** (check package timing). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

6. **Combine and Serve**: - Toss drained spaghetti with a scoop of Bolognese sauce and a splash of pasta water to help it cling. - Divide into bowls. Top with extra sauce, **grated Parmesan**, and **fresh herbs**. #### **Tips for Success**: - **Wine Substitute**: Use extra broth if avoiding alcohol. - **Texture**: Finely chop veggies for a smooth, authentic sauce. - **Make Ahead**: Bolognese tastes better the next day! Reheat gently. - **Traditional Touch**: Serve with **tagliatelle** instead of spaghetti for a Bologna-style experience. **Enjoy your homemade spaghetti bolognese—the ultimate comfort food!** 🍝🇮🇹