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Ground Beef Recipes

Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

23 agosto, 2024
a plate of spaghetti with sauce and basil on a napkin
Index

    Ingredients

    Bolognese Sauce

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 carrot, finely diced
    • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1/2 pound ground pork (optional)
    • 1/4 cup tomato paste
    • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
    • 1 cup beef broth
    • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 bay leaf
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream

    Pasta

    • 1 pound spaghetti
    • Salt for pasta water
    • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
    • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

    Instructions

    Preparing the Bolognese Sauce

    1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
    2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
    3. Add the ground beef and ground pork (if using) to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.Tip: Ensure the meat is well browned for maximum flavor.
    4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
    5. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
    6. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water.
    7. Stir in the milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

    Cooking the Spaghetti

    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Assembling the Dish

    1. Remove the bay leaf from the Bolognese sauce.
    2. Toss the cooked spaghetti with a portion of the Bolognese sauce to coat the pasta.
    3. Serve the spaghetti in bowls, topped with additional sauce.
    4. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.

    Tips and Tricks

    Enhancing the Flavor

    For a deeper flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the sauce as it simmers. Remove it before serving.

    Making Ahead

    The Bolognese sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will improve as it sits. Reheat gently before serving.

    Freezing the Sauce

    The Bolognese sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

    Using Fresh Herbs

    If you prefer using fresh herbs, replace the dried oregano and basil with 1 tablespoon each of fresh, chopped oregano and basil. Add them towards the end of the cooking time to retain their fresh flavor.

    Nutritional Information

    • Calories: 450 per serving
    • Protein: 25g
    • Carbohydrates: 55g
    • Fat: 15g
    • Fiber: 5g
    • Sugar: 8g
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