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Meaty Spaghetti Bolognese

A slow-simmered, deeply rich meat sauce made with beef, pork, red wine, and tomatoes, tossed with spaghetti and topped with fresh Parmesan.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Bolognese sauce:

  • 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/4 lb 115g ground pork
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For serving:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves optional

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
  • Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  • Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until mostly absorbed.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Reduce heat to low, pour in the milk, and stir. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
  • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to help everything coat evenly.
  • Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Servings: 4