Description
Spaghetti Bolognese is a traditional Italian-style meat sauce made with ground beef, vegetables, and tomatoes, simmered to perfection, and served over spaghetti. Jamie Oliver’s version includes a touch of modern flair while staying true to its roots, making it both delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce
- Ground Beef (500g): The main protein.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrot (1 large, finely chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness.
- Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Adds flavor and texture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the flavor.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor.
- Canned Tomatoes (400g): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Beef Stock (200ml): Adds richness.
- Red Wine (optional, 100ml): Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Bay Leaf (1): Adds a herby aroma.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
For the Spaghetti
- Spaghetti (400g): The perfect pasta pairing.
- Salt (for boiling water)
For Garnish
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds a savory finish.
- Fresh Basil (chopped): For a touch of freshness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Set them aside for sautéing.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Build the sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor. Return the browned beef to the pan. Add the canned tomatoes, beef stock, red wine (if using), and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Simmer the sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich flavor.
Step 6: Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 7: Assemble the dish
Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce ladled over the spaghetti.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil over the top before serving.