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Home » Course » Dinner » Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Published: Jan 9, 2021 · Modified: Apr 7, 2022 by Veronika's Kitchen * This post may contain affiliate links

Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

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Make this traditional hearty Spaghetti Bolognese from scratch! This simple homemade pasta meal has rich and flavorful meat sauce made with a secret ingredient! It will become your family’s favorite Sunday dinner recipe!

Spaghetti Bolognese in a bowl with a fork.

This is my to-go recipe for homemade spaghetti Bolognese that is easy to make in just 40 minutes. I’ve been making this dish for years now and found a secret ingredient that helps bring the sauce to a whole new level.

What is the secret ingredient?

Depending on what brand of canned tomatoes you are using, they can sometimes be acidic and ruin the whole dish. I found that when you add a small piece of Parmesan rind to the sauce and simmer it together for about 20 minutes, the cheese starts melting and binds all the flavors together. So even if your crushed tomatoes are acidic, adding a parmesan rind will help to smooth out the sharpness and give another layer of flavor.

I like to use the same trick in my Marinara Sauce from Scratch and Best Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe.

Ingredients for spaghetti Bolognese.

How to make it

Preheat a large skillet over medium/high heat and add about 2 tbsp olive oil. When hot, add 1 chopped onion and cook for about 10 minutes, until they soften and start to caramelize. Then add 2 cloves minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.

Process photos of searing onions and garlic.

Add 1 pound ground beef and break it down into smaller pieces. You’ll need to cook it for about 10 more minutes or until it’s cooked through and doesn’t have any red or pink color inside.

Process photos of cooking ground beef with onion.

Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes (I prefer fire roasted variety) and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir and bring to a light simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Process photos of adding tomato sauce and paste to ground beef.

Add the seasoning (½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp dried basil, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes) and stir.

Process photos of adding spices to meat sauce.

Add a Parmesan rind, stir, and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, constantly stirring.

Process photos of adding Parmesan rind to meat sauce.

While it’s cooking, we can start working on pasta. Boil a pot of water, season with water, and add 10 oz spaghetti. Cook according to the instructions until al-dente.

Process photos of cooking spaghetti.

When the pasta is ready, drain the liquid, reserving 1 cup of starchy water. Then add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and stir together until evenly distributed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of reserved starchy water and mix again.

Sprinkle some grated parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Process photos of adding cooked spaghetti to meat sauce.

Tips for Best Results

  • Another trick to reduce the acidity in tomato sauce is to add a pinch of sugar. Make sure you add just a little bit, not to make it too sweet.
  • To add more flavor, you also can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Spaghetti Bolognese in a bowl with a fork.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it last in a fridge?

I like making a big batch of this dish as a meal prep and reheat in on busy nights. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. After the it is cooked, let it cool off. Then place it in an air tight container and refrigerate.

How to reheat?

To reheat Spaghetti Bolognese, preheat the pan on a low/medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Then add the pasta, cover with a lid and let it reheat, stirring occasionally. I also like to add a little bit of water to the pasta while reheating and let it steam.

Can I freeze homemade Bolognese sauce?

You can freeze it for up to 4-6 months. However, I like to freeze the sauce only, without added pasta. Pack the sauce in air tight containers or in zip-lock bags, then put in the freezer.
When ready to eat, place the frozen sauce in the refrigerator a night before, to allow it to thaw. Then you can reheat in the pan and add some pasta.

What shall I serve it with?

I like to serve it with some bread (like Potato Rolls Recipe, Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe, or Sandwich Bread Recipe) and some veggies on the side (like Parmesan Roasted Broccoli).

Spaghetti Bolognese in a bowl with a fork.
Spaghetti Bolognese in a bowl with a fork.
Print Recipe
5 from 12 votes

Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Make this traditional hearty Spaghetti Bolognese from scratch! This simple homemade pasta meal has rich and flavorful meat sauce made with a secret ingredient! It will become your family’s favorite Sunday dinner recipe!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Total Time50 mins
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 637kcal
Author: Veronika’s Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef 85-90% lean
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 Parmesan rind
  • 10 oz spaghetti uncooked

Instructions

  • Preheat a large skillet over medium/high heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil. When hot, add 1 chopped onion and cook for about 10 minutes, until they soften and start to caramelize. Then add 2 cloves minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
  • Add 1 lb ground beef and break it down into smaller pieces.You’ll need to cook it for about 10 more minutes or until it’s cooked through and doesn’t have any red or pink color inside.
  • Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir and bring to a light simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Add the seasoning (½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp dried basil, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes) and stir.
  • Add a Parmesan rind, stir, and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, constantly stirring.
  • While the sauce is cooking, we can start working on pasta. Boil a pot of water, season with water, and add 10 oz spaghetti. Cook according to the instructions until al-dente.
  • When the pasta is ready, drain the liquid, reserving 1 cup of starchy water. Then add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and stir together until evenly distributed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of reserved starchy water and mix again.
  • Sprinkle some grated Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Video

Notes

How long does it last in a fridge? I like making a big batch of this dish as a meal prep and reheat in on busy nights. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. After the it’s is cooked, let it cool off. Then place it in an air tight container and refrigerate.
How to reheat it? To reheat, preheat the pan on a low/medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Then add the pasta, cover with a lid and let it reheat, stirring occasionally. I also like to add a little bit of water to the pasta while reheating and let it steam.
Can I freeze homemade Bolognese sauce? You can freeze it for up to 4-6 months. However, I like to freeze the sauce only, without added pasta. Pack the sauce in air tight containers or in zip-lock bags, then put in the freezer.
When ready to eat, place the frozen sauce in the refrigerator a night before, to allow it to thaw. Then you can reheat in the pan and add some pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 637kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 1193mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 586IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 7mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a photo and share it on Instagram; be sure to tag me @veronikaskitchen.

Update Notes: This post was originally published in 2017, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, tips, and FAQs in January of 2021.

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Ken says

    November 12, 2021 at 12:28 pm

    5 stars
    I modified this recipe just a little but it is simply amazing. This pasta dish is bursting in flavor. I 16 oz of spaghetti instead of the the 10 oz and used sausage instead of hamburger. I did not have the parmesan rind so just added grated parmesan to the sauce mix and turned out perfect. I love the red pepper flakes but it was a little spicy for the kids so may have to make two separate batches next time but definitely putting this on a regular rotation in the kitchen.

    Reply
  2. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life says

    August 06, 2018 at 12:53 am

    This is such a classic dish, and perfect for these busy, hot summer nights when there’s no way I’m turning on the oven.

    Reply
  3. Michelle Blackwood says

    August 05, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    5 stars
    Wow this recipe looks amazing, I know my daughter will love it.

    Reply
  4. Michelle Blackwood says

    August 05, 2018 at 11:15 pm

    5 stars
    I’m here drooling on your recipe and gorgeous photo, nothing like a flavorful pasta recipe.

    Reply
  5. Sues says

    August 05, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    5 stars
    I think I’d pretty much ALWAYS be in the mood for this; it looks so delicious!! And with extra basil, it’s such a delicious summer meal!

    Reply
  6. Leslie says

    August 05, 2018 at 4:49 pm

    I’m that person that always needs more garlic than a recipe calls for, so I’d probably end up doubling up – but the recipe sounds amazing as is!

    Reply
  7. Kim @ Berly's Kitchen says

    August 05, 2018 at 9:30 am

    5 stars
    Pasta with meat sauce is a wonderful meal when you want warm, comfort food. So easy, but so flavorful! Love your photos! 🙂 Also love that you made your sauce from scratch.

    Reply
  8. Jyothi (Jo) says

    August 05, 2018 at 1:18 am

    5 stars
    That is the most delicious looks meat sauce. You got me drooling with all beautiful photos. I sure it’s gonna be a bit hit with kids and family

    Reply
  9. Marisa Franca says

    August 04, 2018 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    Your photos make me want to dig in!! There is nothing better than some great pasta with Italian meat sauce. Like you, I’ve been making my mamma’s recipe for years. She used just a few ingredients and her sauce was heavenly. Your sauce reminds me of hers.

    Reply
  10. prasanna hede says

    August 04, 2018 at 9:39 am

    I wanted to try a good version of pasta these days and saw your recipe many times on pinterest too.Great recipe.

    Reply
  11. Lorie says

    August 03, 2018 at 12:04 am

    5 stars
    So crazy that I came across this recipe because my hubby was asking for spaghetti but didn’t want meatballs. This works. Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Jessie says

    August 01, 2018 at 3:58 pm

    5 stars
    Yum a new pasta sauce to try! Looks amazing this will be on my must try list!

    Reply
  13. Gloria says

    July 31, 2018 at 10:00 am

    5 stars
    You can never go wrong with pasta and meat sauce. Always a winner any night of the week. Perfect to make a HUGE batch for delicious leftovers in the week too.

    Reply
  14. Elaine @ Dishes Delish says

    July 31, 2018 at 8:24 am

    5 stars
    I love a good pasta sauce! This looks so delicious and comforting! But not only that, it looks easy which is a big win during the week!

    Reply
  15. Dawn- Girl Heart Food says

    July 30, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    5 stars
    How delicious and comforting does this look? I could always go for pasta, no matter how warm it is outside. It’s one of my fave meals and wish I had this right now!!

    Reply
  16. Anne says

    July 30, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    I love pasta with meat sauce, and this recipe looks like a winner. Fresh ingredients, and easy to make.

    Reply

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