There is something irresistibly comforting about a classic pasta dish that feels like a warm hug, and this Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe is just that. It brings together tender, slow-simmered meat sauce infused with ripe tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a splash of wine, all served atop perfectly cooked spaghetti. The layers of flavor and the luscious texture make it a beloved family favorite and an all-time crowd-pleaser, ideal for cozy dinners or special gatherings where everyone craves something heartwarming and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients unlocks a depth of flavor in this dish that feels gourmet without fuss. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fresh vegetables lending sweetness and texture to the rich, savory ground meats, and the tomato sauce tying it all together with vibrant color and tang.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil: The perfect base to gently soften and caramelize your vegetables, adding subtle fruity notes.
- 1 medium carrot (finely diced): Adds a natural sweetness and a bit of crunch that balances the richness of the meat.
- 1 celery stalk (finely diced): Brings earthiness and texture, giving the sauce a wonderful foundation.
- 1 medium onion (finely diced): Provides aromatic depth and a mild sharpness once cooked down.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Offers hearty meatiness and classic Bolognese flavor.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds juiciness and a slight sweetness for that rich, layered meat sauce.
- 1/2 cup red wine: Elevates the sauce with acidity and complexity, deglazing those beautiful browned bits.
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor boosting the sauce’s depth and color.
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce: The vibrant tomato base that keeps the sauce saucy and luscious.
- ½ cup whole milk: Smooths out acidity, making the sauce creamy and tender.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal and slightly floral flavors during simmering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out and balance all the rich flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 16 ounces spaghetti (for serving): The perfect classic pasta to carry the rich meat sauce.
How to Make Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Adding the finely diced carrot, celery, and onion, cook them gently until softened and fragrant, about five minutes. These veggies form the aromatic bed that flavors the entire sauce, bringing sweetness and depth right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add your ground beef and pork to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart, allowing everything to brown evenly. Cook until there’s no pink remaining. This browning step is essential as it develops the rich, savory base your sauce needs to shine.
Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in half a cup of red wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly, concentrating its flavor and adding a touch of acidity that balances the meat beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Elements
Now stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste, combining it fully with the meat and vegetables. Then add one and a half cups of tomato sauce, mixing thoroughly so the tomatoes envelop every bit of the browned mixture, creating that unmistakable Bolognese richness.
Step 5: Add Milk and Seasonings
Pour in half a cup of whole milk, which mellows the acidity and adds a silky texture to the sauce. Then tuck in two bay leaves, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and give everything a good stir. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to mingle slowly.
Step 6: Slow Simmer for Maximum Flavor
Partially cover your pan and let the sauce simmer on low heat for an hour and a half to two hours. This long, slow cooking time transforms the sauce into a thick, luscious marvel as the flavors meld and intensify. Remember to stir occasionally to keep the bottom from sticking and to check seasoning to taste.
Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti
While your meat sauce is nearing perfection, cook your spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly but keep some pasta water on hand to adjust sauce consistency if needed later.
Step 8: Final Touch and Serve
Discard the bay leaves from the sauce, then plate your pasta topped generously with the rich Bolognese. This is the moment where simple ingredients become a soul-satisfying meal that everyone will adore.
How to Serve Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves to the top for a burst of flavor and color. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving also enhances richness and gives the dish an inviting sheen.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or garlic bread makes perfect accompaniments. The salad adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts the hearty sauce, while a warm crusty garlic bread is ideal for mopping up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bolognese sauce layered in a baked pasta casserole or spoon it over polenta for a comforting texture variation. You could also present it family-style in a large serving dish that invites everyone to dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months, making it a convenient meal to have ready at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid high heat to preserve the flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef instead of beef and pork?
Absolutely! Using just ground beef will still yield a delicious Bolognese, though mixing beef and pork gives a more complex flavor and juicier texture. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to add wine in the recipe?
The red wine adds wonderful depth and acidity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with beef broth or a mix of broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar effect.
How long should I simmer the sauce for the best flavor?
The longer you let the sauce simmer on low, around 1 1/2 to 2 hours, the more the flavors meld and deepen. Patience in this step really pays off with a richer, more satisfying result.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this version is all about that rich meat sauce, you can create a vegetarian spin by substituting the meat with hearty mushrooms or lentils, maintaining similar texture and earthy taste.
What pasta types work best for this sauce?
Spaghetti is classic and perfect for this rich sauce, but other long pasta like fettuccine or even baked pasta shapes like rigatoni also hold up beautifully to the thick meat sauce.
Final Thoughts
With its irresistible flavor and comforting appeal, the Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe is a timeless dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for gatherings, allowing you to share a little joy through every savory bite. Dive in and enjoy creating this delicious, satisfying classic!
Print
Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese with Rich Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic Italian Spaghetti Bolognese recipe featuring a rich and savory meat sauce simmered slowly with vegetables, red wine, and tomato, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium carrot (finely diced)
- 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 16 ounces spaghetti
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced carrot, celery, and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned evenly and no pink remains, about 7-10 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly and cooks off the alcohol.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables, then pour in the tomato sauce, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Stir in the whole milk, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Partially cover the pan and cook the sauce over low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves from the sauce. Plate the cooked spaghetti and top generously with the Bolognese sauce. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty Italian classic.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use a dry red wine such as Chianti or Merlot.
- Simmering the sauce gently for a longer period develops richer taste and tender texture.
- Use whole milk for creaminess, but you can substitute with half-and-half if preferred.
- Make sure to break up the meat well while browning to avoid large clumps.
- This sauce can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
