Spaghetti Bolognese Bliss: A Journey to Flavor Town
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Learn how to make delicious Spaghetti Bolognese. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds wonderful depth)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound spaghetti
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step always takes me back to my mom’s kitchen, where the sizzling sounds meant something delicious was on the way.
Add the carrot and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften. These ingredients not only add flavor but remind me of the fresh produce markets in Asheville.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If you’re using ground turkey, consider adding a bit more olive oil as it tends to be leaner.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. The wine adds a depth that elevates the sauce, a trick I learned from an Italian friend during one of my culinary adventures.
Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. I always add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water, a tip passed down from my grandmother.
Drain the spaghetti and toss it with the sauce. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired.
