Spaghetti Bolognese

This slow-cooked Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting family classic, rich with deep, savoury flavours that develop beautifully over time. Gently simmered, it fills the house with an irresistible aroma and produces a thick, hearty sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Served with a light salad and warm garlic bread, it’s a complete and satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 45

Total Time 2 5

Servings People

Ingredients

Bolognese Sauce Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion finely chopped
2 large carrots finely diced
2 sticks celery finely diced
3 cloves garlic finely chopped
500 g minced beef
2 tbsp tomato purée
400 g chopped tomatoes
400 ml beef stock
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 leaf bay
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
1 tsp sugar

Topping Ingredients:

500 g spaghetti
Parmesan grated or similar hard cheese
Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot and celery, cooking gently for 8–10 minutes until softened but not browned.
2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion, 2 large carrots, 2 sticks celery
Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3 cloves garlic
Add the minced beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until evenly browned and no pink remains.
500 g minced beef
Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavour.
2 tbsp tomato purée
Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, oregano, basil, bay leaf and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
400 g chopped tomatoes, 400 ml beef stock, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 leaf bay, salt, black pepper
If using, add the sugar.
1 tsp sugar
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover loosely and let it cook for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
The sauce should thicken gradually and develop a rich, deep flavour. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or stock.
Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
About 10 minutes before the sauce is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain well.
500 g spaghetti
Divide the spaghetti between bowls and spoon the Bolognese sauce generously over the top.
Finish with grated cheese and a little fresh basil or parsley if you like.
Parmesan, Fresh basil

Equipment

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Spaghetti Bolognese with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the sauce and plenty of warm garlic bread for mopping up every last bit. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze beautifully, making this an ideal make-ahead family meal.

A true comfort food classic, this slow-cooked Spaghetti Bolognese is perfect for relaxed family dinners, cosy weekends, or any evening when you want something warming and satisfying on the table.

Nutrition