Mum's Spaghetti Bolognese

Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, Mum's Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic family favorite that brings comfort to the dinner table. This rich and savory sauce starts with a medley of finely chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, creating a flavorful base enhanced by ground beef, aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, and a splash of wine for depth. Simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock, this comforting Bolognese sauce pairs beautifully with tender spaghetti. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley, this timeless recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or an impressive yet easy Italian-inspired meal. With just 15 minutes of prep and minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 500 grams ground beef
• 125 milliliters dry white or red wine
• 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250 milliliters beef stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 400 grams spaghetti
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a wooden spoon.

Step 5

Pour in the wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Step 6

Add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and add the bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 8

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and allow the sauce to cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 9

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 11

Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if desired). Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2212.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2570.2

Total Fat 137.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 404.0mg	0%
Sodium 5217.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 186.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.5g	0%
Total Sugars 38.0g
Protein 141.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 950.0mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 4259.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.6%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 29.2%