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A steaming bowl of classic spaghetti Bolognese topped with fresh basil.

Best way to grow your perfect Spaghetti Bolognese

This classic Spaghetti Bolognese recipe delivers a rich, savory, and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. It features a slow-cooked meat sauce packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of red wine, all served over al dente spaghetti.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 100 g pancetta diced
  • 500 g beef mince
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots finely chopped
  • 2 celery sticks finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 200 ml red wine
  • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
  • 500 ml beef stock
  • 100 ml milk
  • a handful fresh basil chopped
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
For Serving
  • 400 g spaghetti
  • Parmesan cheese grated, for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking the Bolognese
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy, then remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
  2. Add beef mince to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and let it simmer until reduced by half.
  5. Add chopped tomatoes, beef stock, milk, and the cooked pancetta back into the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Season the Bolognese with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
Cooking the Spaghetti
  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Serving
  1. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the hot spaghetti, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf and a sprig of rosemary to the sauce while it simmers. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of sugar can also balance the flavors. Feel free to adjust the cooking time for a thicker or thinner sauce consistency.