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A rich, slow-simmered meat sauce with ground beef, pork, and tomatoes, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This Italian-American classic is pure comfort food, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Soffritto
Brown the Meats
Deglaze and Build the Sauce
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A rich, slow-simmered meat sauce with ground beef, pork, and tomatoes, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This Italian-American classic is pure comfort food, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
This italian_american recipe takes 120 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 1118.32 calories per serving with 61.07g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Simmer the Sauce
Cook the Spaghetti
Combine and Serve
For a more authentic and richer base, start by rendering 4 oz (115g) of finely chopped pancetta or bacon in the pot before adding the soffritto vegetables.
Replace the ground meat with 1 lb (450g) of finely chopped cremini mushrooms and 1 cup of cooked brown or green lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in step 2 for a spicy kick.
For an even richer finish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the sauce at the very end, just before adding the pasta.
The cooked tomatoes in the sauce are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
The combination of ground beef and pork provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
The carbohydrates from the spaghetti provide a steady source of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling meal.
The soffritto base of onions, carrots, and celery, along with garlic and tomatoes, contributes essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.
A typical serving of this Spaghetti Bolognese contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the exact fat content of the meat and the amount of cheese used. It's a hearty, energy-dense meal.
Spaghetti Bolognese can be part of a balanced diet. It provides protein from the meat, carbohydrates for energy from the pasta, and vitamins and fiber from the tomatoes and vegetables. However, it is also high in calories, fat, and sodium. To make it healthier, you can use leaner meats, whole wheat pasta, and reduce the salt.
Absolutely! The bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat the sauce and cook fresh pasta when you're ready to serve.
A dry red wine that you would enjoy drinking is best. Good options include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, or a Sangiovese. The wine adds a crucial layer of acidic depth and complexity to the sauce.
Yes, you can. While the beef and pork combination is classic, you could use all beef, or a mix of beef, pork, and veal (often called 'soffritto misto' or meatloaf mix). Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a leaner version, though the flavor will be lighter.
Adding milk is a traditional technique in authentic Bolognese. The lactic acid in the milk helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in a softer texture. It also adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and wine, creating a richer, more velvety sauce.