Pasta Bolognese

Name: Pasta Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italy
Ingredients: 350 g of spaghetti; 400 g of meat beef (ground); 1 onions; 2 garlic cloves; 400 g of crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp of tomato paste; 1 tsp of oregano (dried); 1 tsp of dried basil; 1/2 tsp of sugar; 100 ml of red wine; 50 g of parmesan; salt; black pepper; olive oil

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This pasta is served with a slow-simmered sauce of beef, tomatoes, and onions. 🍝 The sauce gets more flavorful the longer it simmers. It freezes perfectly.

Total time: 1 h
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 45 min
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €2.75

By the CookinBreak team

Goes well with

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For dessert

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To drink

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Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

550kcal

Protein25 g18%
Carbs70 g52%
Fat18 g30%
Fiber5 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

🌿 For an even more flavorful bolognese sauce, you can add a few extra vegetables such as finely chopped carrots and celery. This adds texture and richness to the sauce while boosting its nutritional value. 🥕🥬

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Sauce freezes very well, up to 3 months in zip-top bags or airtight containers. Cooked pasta is less ideal.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 3 to 4 days max. Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook the pasta separately.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

Bolognese sauce improves when made the day before, as the flavors develop.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Sauce alone: saucepan over low heat, stirring, or microwave at medium power. Assembled dish: microwave, or oven at 150°C for 15-20min to prevent drying out.

Variations

Mix ground beef and pork for a more tender sauce.
Replace the red wine with a little broth or water.
Add chopped carrots and celery for a more flavorful sauce.

Mistakes to avoid

Not browning the meat: the sauce lacks flavor. Cook it until well browned and crumbled.
Cutting the simmering short: the sauce stays acidic. Let it simmer at least 20 to 30 minutes, stirring.
Overcooking the spaghetti: it turns mushy. Cook it al dente.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make bolognese without red wine?

Yes, the red wine is optional. It adds depth, but you can replace it with a little broth or water. Let the sauce simmer over low heat so the flavors develop.

How long should bolognese sauce simmer?

At least 20 to 30 minutes, stirring from time to time. The longer the sauce simmers gently, the more flavor and texture it gains. Keep an eye on it and add a little water if it gets too thick.

Which meat should I use for bolognese?

Ground beef, as in this recipe, gives a flavorful sauce. You can mix it with ground pork for more tenderness. Brown it until well crumbled before adding the tomatoes.

What is the sugar for in the sauce?

Half a teaspoon of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce. Taste before adding it: if your crushed tomatoes are already sweet, you can use a little less or none at all.