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Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Easy Rich Tomato Beef Ragu Dinner

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This savory spaghetti Bolognese features a rich tomato and beef ragu simmered with onions, carrots, celery, and herbs for deep, comforting flavor. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, or substitute beef broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dice onion, carrot, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until softened and just starting to turn golden, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until well-browned and most moisture evaporates, 7-9 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  4. Clear a space in the pot, add tomato paste, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until it darkens.
  5. Pour in dry red wine (or beef broth) and scrape up any browned bits. Let reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in crushed tomatoes and milk. Add oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
  8. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  9. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf. Stir in reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  10. Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce, plate, and top with extra sauce, chopped parsley or basil, and grated Parmesan.

Notes

Brown the beef well for maximum flavor. Simmer sauce uncovered to thicken and concentrate flavors. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit milk or use unsweetened oat milk. Sauce can be made ahead and improves overnight. Add red pepper flakes for heat or mushrooms for extra umami.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti bolognese, beef ragu, tomato sauce, Italian dinner, easy pasta, comfort food, family meal, weeknight dinner, classic pasta, rich sauce

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/spaghetti-bolognese-recipe-easy-rich-tomato-beef-ragu-dinner/