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Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Italian pasta with a rich, hearty meat sauce simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs.

60 minMediumServes 4520 cal/serving

ItalianDinnerStovetopHigh ProteinLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz cans)
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 8 oz spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

  2. 2

    While the pasta is cooking, heat the 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.

  3. 3

    Add the 1/2 lb ground beef to the hot oil and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

  4. 4

    Add the diced 1/2 onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the minced 2 garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

  6. 6

    Pour in the 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz cans) and stir to combine. Add the 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  7. 7

    Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce, partially covered, for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.

  8. 8

    Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

  9. 9

    Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Questions

Can I make Spaghetti Bolognese gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 8 oz spaghetti. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Spaghetti Bolognese keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Spaghetti Bolognese?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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