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Classic Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Tomato Sauce - Comforting, Hearty, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil – for sautéing
  • Unsalted butter – adds richness (optional but recommended)
  • Yellow onion – finely chopped
  • Carrot – finely chopped
  • Celery stalk – finely chopped
  • Garlic – minced
  • Ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • Ground pork or Italian sausage (mild)
  • Tomato paste
  • Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can) or passata
  • Dry red wine (or beef broth as a substitute)
  • Whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • Bay leaf
  • Dried oregano and/or Italian seasoning
  • Nutmeg – just a pinch (optional, traditional)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Spaghetti
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the base: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 6–8 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Brown the meat: Add ground beef and pork. Break it up with a spoon and cook until well browned, about 7–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t rush—browning builds flavor.
  3. Tomato paste and deglaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 2 minutes to caramelize. Pour in 1/2 cup red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce by half.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
  5. Finish with milk: Stir in 1/2 cup milk and simmer another 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
  6. Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti in well-salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  7. Bring it together: Toss pasta with a few ladles of sauce and a splash of pasta water to help it cling. Plate and top with extra sauce, Parmesan, and herbs.