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.