The Ultimate, Properly Good Spaghetti Bolognese (Ragù Alla Bolognese)

Properly Good Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe | The Ultimate Guide

By Amara Vitalis May 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever had one of those days? you know, the kind where only a massive bowl of comfort food will do? honestly, for me that craving always leads to spaghetti bolognese recipe .

Yeah, i know, it's basic, but when it's done right? oh my gosh! this best bolognese recipe is a proper hug in a bowl.

This is the ultimate spaghetti party dish. it’s like a love letter from italy. this authentic spaghetti sauce, also known as sauce bolognaise , is slow cooked.

It's really simple to make, but you'll need at least four hours for it to become the perfect bolognese sauce it's meant to be.

One recipe yields 6-8 servings, and it is perfect to share.

What Makes This Bolognese So Special?

Forget that jarred stuff. this real bolognese sauce is packed with goodness. i'm talking protein from the meat, vitamins from the veg.

It is the best bolognese sauce . honestly, that long simmer is what gives you that epic flavour. this recipe for spaghetti is just perfect for a cosy night in, or any family gathering.

You know? it is the best bolognese sauce authentic .

We all know you are in search of how to make bolognese sauce . this bolognese sauce pasta will make your guest ask for more.

Don't be afraid to experiment to get the best bolognese recipe .

A Little Story From My (Imaginary) Travels

Right, so picture this: me, in thailand living, totally missing a taste of home. i tried a local place’s take on bolognese recipe authentic , and, well, let's just say it wasn't quite right! that night i decided to figure out recipe for spaghetti .

So i started experimenting until i got my own bolognese recipe authentic . this pasta with bolognese sauce is the bomb!.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Right then, let’s talk ingredients for our spaghetti bolognese recipe . we're going for that proper bolognese sauce vibe, so quality is key, yeah? i remember once trying to skimp on the tomatoes, disaster, honestly.

Never again! this best bolognese recipe starts with good stuff.

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (US) / 30 ml (Metric). Use a decent olive oil. You can taste the difference.
Onion: 1 large , finely chopped. Don’t be lazy; dice it small!
Carrots: 2 , finely chopped. Same as the onion, small dice.
Celery: 2 stalks , finely chopped. See a pattern here?
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, obviously.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (US) / 5 ml (Metric). Adds that lovely, earthy note.
Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (US) / 2.5 ml (Metric) (optional). For a bit of a kick.
Ground Beef: 1 pound (US) / 450g (Metric), preferably chuck. Look for a nice marbling of fat, yeah? It adds flavour.
Ground Pork: ½ pound (US) / 225g (Metric). Adds richness.
Pancetta: ¼ pound (US) / 115g (Metric), finely diced. That salty, cured goodness.
Dry Red Wine: 1 cup (US) / 240 ml (Metric). A decent Chianti or Sangiovese does the trick. Don't use cooking wine.
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can (US) / 800g (Metric). San Marzano if you can get them.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can (US) / 425g (Metric). Just your standard tomato sauce.
Beef Broth: 1 cup (US) / 240 ml (Metric). Low sodium is always a good shout.
Whole Milk: ½ cup (US) / 120 ml (Metric). Don't skip this, it really tenderizes the meat.
Bay Leaves: 2 . Essential.
Spaghetti: 1 pound (US) / 450g (Metric). This will be a great Spaghetti Party.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, for serving. None of that pre-grated stuff, alright?

Seasoning Notes: Making it Pop

We’re aiming for that authentic spaghetti flavour, so think about balance. salt and pepper are your friends, but don’t be shy with the oregano.

A little red pepper flake adds a nice warmth. if you're feeling fancy, a pinch of nutmeg can really elevate the flavour.

Play around, see what you like!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don’t need loads of fancy gear for this Bolognese Sauce Recipe . Just a big pot, a wooden spoon, and a pasta pot.

Large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven: This is where the magic happens. It needs to hold everything and distribute heat evenly.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and scraping up those tasty bits from the bottom of the pot.
Large pot for boiling pasta: Obvious, innit?
Colander: To drain the pasta.

Honestly, that’s it. this spaghetti bolognese recipe is all about the ingredients and the technique. get the best bolognese sauce , and it will be a good pasta with bolognese sauce .

Remember, it’s about having fun, so don’t stress too much! get stuck in.

Alright, let's dive into making a proper spaghetti bolognese recipe . honestly, it's one of those dishes that's always a winner.

This isn't just any recipe for spaghetti ; we're aiming for the best bolognese recipe you've ever tasted. forget the jarred stuff!

Prep Like a Pro, Cook Like a Boss!

Essential Mise en Place

Right, first things first: get everything ready. chop the onion, carrots, and celery nice and small. mince that garlic. get your ground beef, pork, and pancetta measured out.

This is the essential mise en place . this step is essential when you are thinking of cooking the perfect bolognese sauce .

Time Saving Organization Tips

Honestly, prepping everything beforehand is a lifesaver. I sometimes chop the veggies the night before. It makes cooking the next day so much easier, especially if you're having a Spaghetti Party !

Safety Reminders

Be careful when you are chopping. Keep your fingers tucked in. And please, don't drink and chop!

step-by-step: Bolognese Bliss!

Getting Down to Business

Sauté those Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pot. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until they're soft and golden. This usually takes about 8- 10 minutes . Add 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano and cook for about 1 minute . The smell is amazing, isn't it?
Brown the Meat: Add 1 pound of ground beef, ½ pound of ground pork, and ¼ pound of diced pancetta. Break it all up and cook until it’s browned all over . Drain any extra grease. Honestly, nobody wants a greasy Best Bolognese Sauce Authentic .
Wine Time!: Pour in 1 cup of dry red wine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to get all those yummy brown bits. Reduce it for 5 minutes , until it's almost gone.
Simmer, Simmer!: Add 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of beef broth. Throw in 2 bay leaves . Bring to a simmer. Then, turn the heat down low, cover, and simmer for at least 3 hours , stirring now and then. The Authentic Spaghetti needs time.
Milky Magic: Stir in ½ cup of whole milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves.
Pasta Power: Cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to the package directions. Make sure it is al dente .
Serve Up a Treat: Toss that perfectly cooked spaghetti with your amazing Real Bolognese Sauce . Serve it up hot, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Bolognese Brilliance!

Secrets to Success

Low and Slow: The key to The Best Bolognese Recipe is to give it time. Don't rush the simmering. That's key to a Perfect Bolognese Sauce .
Milk Matters: The milk is a game changer. Don't skip it!

Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing the Simmer: You have to let that sauce cook low and slow. You want that deep flavour, yeah?
Not Seasoning Enough: Seasoning is so important! Don't be afraid to add salt and pepper.

make-ahead Magic

The sauce actually tastes better the next day! make it ahead, chill it, and then reheat it. it's perfect for a spaghetti party if you want to get ahead of the game.

Remember guys, if you are in thailand living , you can still cook the best bolognese recipe . so, get cooking! and let me know how it turns out.

Alright, check out these extra notes for my spaghetti bolognese recipe ! honestly, these are game changers. they'll make your perfect bolognese sauce sing! i learnt a lot of this during my thailand living days.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Bolognese!

Here are a few points that will make you cook the Best Bolognese Recipe you've ever tasted!

Serving Like a Pro

Want your spaghetti party to be unforgettable? plate your pasta with bolognese sauce in shallow bowls. a swirl of sauce, a nest of spaghetti, and a generous grating of parmesan.

Boom! pair it with a simple side salad and a glass of chianti. bellissimo! i like to add a sprig of basil for that "i'm fancy" touch.

Storing Your Liquid Gold

Got leftovers? lucky you! for the best bolognese sauce , refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Want to keep it longer? freeze it! thaw overnight in the fridge. when reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water.

It will keep it nice and luscious, and it is a secret to make it the real bolognese sauce .

Variations: Mix It Up!

Feeling adventurous? for a lighter take, use ground turkey instead of beef. also, if you are making a recipe for spaghetti with a seasonal ingredient, chuck in some roasted butternut squash during autumn.

Oh my gosh!, it's amazing!. and if you're dairy-free, skip the milk. honestly, it is delicious anyway!

Nutrition: Goodness in a Bowl

Each serving of this bolognese sauce recipe provides protein, carbs, and healthy fats. the slow cooking helps break down the tomatoes, making the nutrients more accessible.

So you can enjoy your tasty sauce bolognaise with confidence!

Don't be scared to experiment! this spaghetti bolognese recipe is forgiving. this will become the best bolognese recipe once you start adding your own touch.

Get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness! you totally got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to making a truly awesome spaghetti bolognese recipe? Is it all about the slow cooking?

You've hit the nail on the head! While good ingredients are crucial, the real secret weapon is time. This spaghetti bolognese recipe thrives on a low and slow simmer. At least 3 hours is recommended, but longer is even better.

This slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld and deepen, creating that classic, rich Bolognese taste. Think of it like letting a good cuppa brew properly - patience pays off!

I'm in a bit of a rush. Can I speed up this spaghetti bolognese recipe somehow?

While the soul of a truly authentic Bolognese lies in its slow simmer, you can shave off some time. You could use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to reduce the cooking time significantly.

However, be aware that you might sacrifice a bit of the depth and complexity of flavour that comes from the traditional slow cooked method. It's a bit like comparing a quick fry-up to a proper Sunday roast - both have their place, but they're different experiences!

Can I freeze leftover spaghetti bolognese? What's the best way to store it?

Absolutely! Bolognese freezes brilliantly. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop.

If you're storing it in the fridge, it will last 3-4 days in an airtight container - perfect for next day leftovers!

I'm trying to eat a bit healthier. Are there any healthy variations I can make to this spaghetti bolognese recipe?

Definitely! You can make a few swaps to lighten things up without sacrificing flavour. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork. Load up on the veggies by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also use whole wheat spaghetti for extra fiber.

It's like giving your Bolognese a bit of a "Pimp My Ride" makeover, but for health!

My Bolognese sauce is a bit too acidic. How can I fix it?

A splash of milk or cream, as included in the recipe, is a classic way to mellow out acidity in tomato based sauces. If it's still too sharp, try adding a pinch of sugar or a knob of butter. The sweetness or richness will help balance the flavours.

Think of it as finding the perfect harmony in a song - a little adjustment can make all the difference!

Can I use different types of meat in my spaghetti bolognese recipe?

Yes, you can! The classic combination is ground beef, pork, and pancetta, but feel free to experiment. Ground veal, lamb, or even Italian sausage can add interesting flavour profiles. Just be mindful of the fat content and adjust accordingly.

It's like choosing the right band members for your Bolognese - each meat brings its own unique sound to the mix!