Name: Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 carrots, grated; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb (500g) minced beef; 1 teaspoon allspice or seven spices; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cans crushed tomatoes (each 400g/12oz) or tomato passata; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon sugar; Handful chopped basil leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 bay leaves; 1 beef stock cube; 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds; Pinch of red chili flakes (optional); 1/2 cup non-alcoholic red wine or beef broth, grape juice, or water; 1 pack spaghetti, cooked al dente (400g/16oz); Parmesan cheese, for topping; Extra basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 63 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting and deeply satisfying meal that brings family and friends around the table, this Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a classic Italian dish where a rich, meaty sauce simmers slowly, infusing every bite with layers of flavor from aromatic herbs, spices, and fresh vegetables. Every spoonful offers a perfect balance of hearty beef, velvety tomato goodness, and subtle hints of warmth from cinnamon and fennel seeds, making this recipe one of my all-time favorites to share and savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two main parts on a white marbled surface: on the left side, a silver mesh colander filled with cooked light yellow spaghetti noodles that have a smooth texture and are loosely piled in layers; on the right side, a black pot filled with rich, chunky, dark red meat sauce with visible bits of ground meat and small vegetable pieces, stirred by a wooden spoon with a smooth handle resting inside the pot; the pot has a black handle with a silver base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each item is straightforward and plays a vital role in building the complex flavor and perfect texture of the sauce. From fresh vegetables that soften into sweetness, to thoughtfully chosen spices that bring warmth and depth, these ingredients combine to form that unforgettable Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe everyone will rave about.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the perfect base to gently sauté your vegetables, adding a fruity richness.
1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and bulk to the sauce as it slowly cooks down.
2 carrots, grated: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness, grounding the flavors beautifully.
2 celery stalks, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that balances the richness.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Gives an aromatic punch and savory depth to the sauce.
1 lb minced beef (500g): The star ingredient adding heartiness and texture to your Bolognese.
1 teaspoon allspice or seven spices: Introduces warm, complex notes enhancing the gravy’s character.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that makes the sauce uniquely comforting.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces that irresistible garlic flavor throughout.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
2 cans crushed tomatoes or tomato passata (400g/12oz each): The rich tomato base that makes the sauce naturally tangy and luscious.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intense tomato flavor and thickening agent for the sauce.
1 teaspoon sugar: Helps cut acidity and rounds out the tomato’s bright notes.
Handful chopped basil leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Fresh herbal brightness that elevates the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian herb aroma that complements the beef perfectly.
2 bay leaves: Slow-cooked for depth and subtle earthiness.
1 beef stock cube: Boosts the savory, meaty richness in every bite.
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds: Adds a gentle licorice hint that livens the flavor profile.
Pinch red chili flakes (optional): Introduces a touch of heat if you want a little kick.
1/2 cup non-alcoholic red wine, beef broth, grape juice, or water: Helps deglaze the pan and add moisture for slow simmering.
1 pack spaghetti, cooked al dente (400g/16oz): The perfect pasta to cradle that luscious Bolognese sauce.
Parmesan cheese for topping: Adds savory sharpness and a creamy finish.
Extra basil for topping: Fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten each serving.

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Once fragrant and warm, add your diced onion, grated carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and let these soft vegetables cook for about 10 minutes until they are tender and the aromas start to fill your kitchen. If the pan gets too hot and things begin to brown too quickly, turn the heat down to medium-low to keep the flavors sweet and balanced.

Step 2: Brown the Minced Beef

Next, add the minced beef along with the allspice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles as it browns. Cooking the beef until fully browned ensures the sauce will develop that deep meaty flavor that makes this Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe so crave-worthy. Feel free to drain excess fat if it becomes too much – this helps keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar, then toss in the chopped basil, dried oregano, bay leaves, beef stock cube, fennel seeds, and red chili flakes if you want a subtle heat. Pour your choice of non-alcoholic red wine, broth, grape juice, or water to loosen the sauce. Stir everything well and bring it up to a boil. This is where the magic starts as all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer Slowly

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow cooking lets the beef become tender and the sauce thicken into a rich, velvety texture that clings to pasta beautifully. About 15 minutes before finishing, remove the lid and let the sauce reduce further to intensify the flavor and thicken up even more.

How to Serve Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick red-brown sauce containing ground meat and small pieces of tomato, garnished with three bright green basil leaves in the center, and a wooden spoon partially submerged on the right side. The bowl sits on a white and black checkered cloth on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of dried herbs and red chili flakes near the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few torn basil leaves on top bring freshness and that final burst of flavor that makes each bite irresistible. The sharp salty tang of Parmesan complements the sweet, spiced sauce, and the basil adds a lovely herbal note that brightens the whole plate.

Side Dishes

This Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for some crunch and acidity, or crusty garlic bread to mop up every drop of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens would also add a colorful and nutritious balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little creative, try serving the Bolognese over creamy polenta instead of traditional pasta, or layer it in a baked pasta casserole topped with mozzarella for a comforting twist. You can even stuff bell peppers with the sauce and rice, then bake them for a delightful handheld dinner option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe makes enough to enjoy now and later. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready for another meal, simply reheat the sauce and cook fresh spaghetti or warm your stored pasta just before serving.

Freezing

The Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe also freezes beautifully. Spoon cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove for a quick, homemade dinner on busy nights.

Reheating

To warm up your leftover Bolognese, gently simmer it on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce again. Avoid microwaving directly in a sealed container, as slow reheating brings out the sauce’s best flavors and perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of this Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe. Just be mindful that these meats cook faster and have less fat, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil and season carefully to keep the sauce rich and flavorful.

Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for over an hour?

Simmering the sauce slowly for at least an hour helps all the flavors meld into a rich, smooth sauce with tender beef. If you are short on time, 30 to 40 minutes will still create a tasty sauce, but longer cooking definitely develops that classic Bolognese depth.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, by substituting the minced beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based mince, you can create a delicious vegetarian version while keeping that hearty texture and savory flavor. Just add a bit more seasoning and let it simmer until thickened.

What type of pasta works best with Bolognese?

Spaghetti is the classic choice for this recipe, but other pasta shapes like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or rigatoni also hold up well to the thick sauce and make for a wonderful presentation.

How can I make this recipe kid-friendly?

Omit the chili flakes to keep the heat mild and let the kids add Parmesan cheese to their taste. You can also finely chop extra veggies to sneak in some nutrition, and serve the sauce a little thinner if preferred to make it easier to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is a true labor of love, delivering rich and comforting flavors that turn any ordinary day into something special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this sauce is guaranteed to bring warmth and smiles to your table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need