Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Today I want to show you my easy spaghetti Bolognese sauce recipe. To make this Bolognese, I like to use a large can of Hunt’s canned tomatoes, or my canned cherry tomatoes from my garden.  This sauce recipe is different than my spaghetti meat sauce recipe, but they are similar. You can also substitute any other kind of ground meat (sausage, turkey, chicken, even lentils) to make it healthier or for different flavor. Also, you can throw in whatever veggies that you have to give a nutrition shot!

Why I Love This Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce Recipe

I love this Bolognese sauce because it’s a reliable comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Its rich flavor, combining tomato, meat, and herbs, makes it more than just a pasta sauce—it’s a versatile base for several dishes including lasagna and cannelloni. It’s my go-to for quick weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend meals alike.

Preparing the sauce is straightforward and rewarding. Browning the meat, simmering the tomatoes, and watching the sauce thicken is a satisfying process. It’s practical and adaptable, working with whatever I have on hand.

What The Heck Does Bolognese Mean, Anyway?

Ever wondered where the name “Bolognese” comes from? It’s actually pretty straightforward. This famous sauce gets its name from Bologna, a city in Italy known for its rich cuisine. The locals in Bologna perfected this hearty, meat-based sauce, and it became a staple in Italian cooking. It’s the “gravy” that you often see in shows that feature Italian-Americans.

Besides its iconic Bolognese sauce, Bologna is celebrated for a number of culinary treasures. It’s the birthplace of mortadella, the finely ground pork sausage that is a precursor to the American “bologna” sausage, named after the city itself. The region is also famous for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and prosciutto, which are staples in Italian cuisine. Moreover, Bologna is known as “La Grassa,” meaning “the fat one,” which speaks volumes about its rich food culture.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• chopping board
• chef’s knife
• garlic press
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• large skillet
• wooden spoon
• large pot
• colander
• cheese grater

Pairing Suggestions

Make spaghetti Bolognese into a complete meal with a salad and some bread! And wine! (Don’t forget that gorgeous Cabernet). How about trying:

• The Perfect BBC Caesar Salad Recipe
• Crunchy and Fresh: Cos Salad Recipe
• The Best Yorkshire Pudding Recipe (Easy)
• 30-Minute Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
• Filipino Cheese Bread Recipe
• Jimmy John’s Bread Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I substitute ground turkey for beef in this Bolognese? Yes, ground turkey is a fine substitute for beef. It’s leaner but still offers a satisfying richness to the sauce. You might need to bump up the seasoning though, as turkey is subtler than beef.
2. Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian? Absolutely, by using lentils, textured vegetable protein, or plant-based meat substitutes which mimic the texture of meat and soak up the sauce’s flavors nicely, you can craft a vegetarian version that still feels traditional. Zukes, especially homegrown ones, are especially wonderful. You can also omit the meat altogether and serve over spaghetti squash!
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Swap the pasta for a gluten-free option like rice, corn, or quinoa pasta. Also, make sure that all other ingredients, like the tomato sauce, are certified gluten-free. (Remember that spaghetti squash, too!)
4. Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce? Definitely, it freezes well. Just cool the sauce, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags, and it’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
5. What are some good pasta choices for Bolognese sauce? Aside from the classic spaghetti, fettuccine, pappardelle, and rigatoni are excellent choices because they hold the sauce well, ensuring flavorful bites. Or try some ravioli! Fresh ravioli from your grocery store refrigerated section is simply awesome with this sauce.
6. How can I make the sauce thicker? Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and thicken or stir in a bit of tomato paste for both thickness and a richer tomato flavor.
7. Can I add vegetables to this sauce? Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots add flavor and nutrition. Chop them finely and add with the onions so they integrate well into the sauce. My fav are zukes and mushrooms, but I love all veggies.
8. What herbs go well with Bolognese? Basil, oregano, and parsley enhance Bolognese beautifully. Use fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor or dried herbs earlier in the process.
9. How can I make this recipe lower in sodium? Opt for low-sodium tomato sauce and be cautious with added salt. Taste your cooking and adjust seasoning as needed since it’s easier to add more than to remove it.
10. What wine pairs well with spaghetti Bolognese? A Chianti or Merlot complements the meaty sauce well with their balance of fruitiness and acidity. I personally love a Cabernet, though, for its bold and rich flavor. If you prefer white, a robust Chardonnay works too.
11. What about wine in the sauce? Adding a splash of wine to the pot just before the tomato sauce can introduce an extra layer of flavor. Let it simmer briefly before continuing with the sauce. Those little bottles from the store work perfectly.

The Final: Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce Recipe