Print

Mary Berry Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Mary Berry Spaghetti Bolognese
Print Recipe

Mary Berry’s Spaghetti Bolognese is a traditional meat sauce made from minced beef, onions, carrots, and celery, slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce. It’s served over spaghetti for a classic combination that everyone will love. The inclusion of red wine adds depth to the flavor, making it a deliciously rich and hearty meal.

Ingredients

  • Minced beef: 500g, for the rich meat base.
  • Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
  • Carrots: 2 medium, finely chopped.
  • Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
  • Canned chopped tomatoes: 400g, for the tomato base.
  • Tomato purée: 2 tablespoons, to deepen the tomato flavor.
  • Red wine: 150ml, for extra richness (optional).
  • Beef stock: 150ml, to create a rich sauce.
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon, for a tangy kick.
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for frying.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.
  • Bay leaves 2, to add flavor.
  • Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried or fresh.
  • Spaghetti: 400g, to serve with the sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese: Grated, for serving.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat and Vegetables

  1. Cook the Minced Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced beef and cook until browned all over. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Build the Sauce

  1. Add the Tomato Purée and Wine: Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the red wine (if using) and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Stock: Return the browned beef to the pan and add the canned tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.

3. Simmer the Bolognese

  1. Cook the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add more stock or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  2. Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

4. Cook the Spaghetti

  1. Boil the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti using a colander.

5. Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese

  1. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
  2. Serve: Divide the spaghetti into bowls, top with grated Parmesan, and enjoy.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-spaghetti-bolognese/