The Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese is a rich, hearty dish that brings together classic Italian flavors with a comforting British twist. This slow-cooked meat sauce, paired with spaghetti, creates a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners. Hairy Bikers’ version of this traditional recipe focuses on building layers of flavor for a deep, savory sauce that’s sure to please.
What are Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese?
Hairy Bikers’ Spaghetti Bolognese is a meat-based sauce made with minced beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and red wine, all simmered together to create a rich and flavorful ragu. It’s served over spaghetti for a classic combination, but it can also be paired with other pasta types. This recipe takes a slow-cooked approach, ensuring the flavors are well-developed and the sauce is deliciously thick.
Other Popular Recipes
- Mary Berry Meat Pie with Shortcrust Pastry
- Mary Berry Spaghetti Bolognese
- James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Deep, Rich Flavor: Slow cooking develops a rich and hearty flavor.
- Classic Comfort Food: A family-favorite dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Great for Leftovers: The sauce tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Versatile Dish: You can use the Bolognese sauce with different types of pasta or in lasagna.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese
- Minced beef: 500g, for a rich, meaty sauce.
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
- Carrots: 2 medium, finely diced.
- Celery: 2 stalks, finely diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons, to intensify the tomato flavor.
- Canned tomatoes: 400g, chopped.
- Red wine: 150ml, for depth of flavor (optional).
- Beef stock: 200ml, to add richness to the sauce.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for frying.
- Bay leaves 2, to add aromatic flavor.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried or fresh.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon, for a tangy kick.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Spaghetti: 400g, to serve with the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated, for serving.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet: For browning the beef and cooking the sauce.
- Saucepan: For boiling the spaghetti.
- Wooden spoon: To stir the sauce.
- Colander: For draining the spaghetti.
Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese
1. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced beef and cook until browned all over, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Build the Sauce
- Add Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir the tomato paste into the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize. Pour in the red wine (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Stock: Add the canned tomatoes, beef stock, browned beef, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well, and bring the sauce to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Bolognese
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or more stock to loosen it.
- Season the Sauce: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
4. Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander.
5. Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti into bowls, top with extra sauce, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese
- Garlic bread: A side of garlic bread complements the rich sauce perfectly.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the hearty dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables for a more complete meal.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up any extra sauce from the plate.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese
- Use good quality beef: A good quality minced beef (10-15% fat) will give the sauce the best flavor.
- Cook slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to develop the flavors fully. The longer it cooks, the richer it will be.
- Add a touch of milk: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end of cooking.
- Make it ahead: The sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese
- Vegetarian version: Use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute instead of beef for a vegetarian Bolognese.
- Add bacon: Stir in chopped bacon or pancetta for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mushroom Bolognese: Add finely chopped mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.
- Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder for a bit of heat.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers, Spaghetti Bolognese
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese
- Stovetop: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or stock if it’s too thick.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Healthier?
- Use lean beef: Opt for lean minced beef or a combination of beef and turkey to reduce fat content.
- Increase the vegetables: Add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to bulk up the sauce with extra nutrients.
- Whole wheat pasta: Serve the sauce with whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
- Reduce the salt: Use low-sodium beef stock and adjust the salt to your taste.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family meals or gatherings. With its rich, slow-cooked sauce and tender beef, this classic recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones
- Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
- James Martin Pulled Pork
Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Spaghetti Bolognese is a meat-based sauce made with minced beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and red wine, all simmered together to create a rich and flavorful ragu. It’s served over spaghetti for a classic combination, but it can also be paired with other pasta types. This recipe takes a slow-cooked approach, ensuring the flavors are well-developed and the sauce is deliciously thick.
Ingredients
- Minced beef: 500g, for a rich, meaty sauce.
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
- Carrots: 2 medium, finely diced.
- Celery: 2 stalks, finely diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons, to intensify the tomato flavor.
- Canned tomatoes: 400g, chopped.
- Red wine: 150ml, for depth of flavor (optional).
- Beef stock: 200ml, to add richness to the sauce.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for frying.
- Bay leaves 2, to add aromatic flavor.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried or fresh.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon, for a tangy kick.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Spaghetti: 400g, to serve with the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated, for serving.
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced beef and cook until browned all over, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Build the Sauce
- Add Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir the tomato paste into the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize. Pour in the red wine (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Stock: Add the canned tomatoes, beef stock, browned beef, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well, and bring the sauce to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Bolognese
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or more stock to loosen it.
- Season the Sauce: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
4. Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander.
5. Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti into bowls, top with extra sauce, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
