Classic Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Cheese

Introduction

Few dishes capture the comfort of home-cooked meals quite like Spaghetti Bolognese. This beloved Italian classic is rich, hearty, and full of flavor, making it a staple in kitchens worldwide. Originating from Bologna, Italy, the dish is a slow-simmered meat sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of red wine—served generously over al dente spaghetti and finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

What makes this recipe timeless is its simplicity and depth of flavor. Each bite combines the tanginess of tomatoes, the richness of beef, the sweetness of carrots, and the warmth of herbs, all tied together with the nutty sharpness of Parmesan. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy meal for one.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. The sauce is slow-cooked, which allows all the flavors to blend beautifully and develop into something rich and satisfying. I adore how versatile it is—perfect for weeknight dinners but also impressive enough for entertaining guests.

Another reason I love this dish is the nostalgia factor. For many, Spaghetti Bolognese is the first homemade pasta dish they experienced growing up. The aroma of garlic, onions, and tomatoes simmering away instantly fills the home with warmth. Paired with fresh Parmesan, it creates a dish that’s timeless and universally loved.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s classic and authentic—a dish that never goes out of style.
• Nutritious and satisfying with protein-rich beef, wholesome veggies, and complex carbs from pasta.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser—kids, adults, and guests all love it.
• Easy to customize—whether you like it extra cheesy, spicy, or with added veggies, it adapts well.

This is not just food—it’s an experience that brings people together around the table.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal (varies depending on pasta and cheese portions)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for richer flavor)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) chopped tomatoes (or passata)
• 1 cup beef stock (or water)
• ½ cup red wine (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves, torn)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• Water + 1 tsp salt (for boiling)

For Serving:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in olive oil.
2. Add ground beef, cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze with red wine (if using).
4. Add tomatoes, stock, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1 hour.
5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti until al dente.
6. Toss spaghetti with sauce, top with Parmesan, and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Base:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5–7 minutes).
2. Cook the Meat:
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Flavor Boost:
   • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to release its flavor.
   • Pour in red wine (if using) and let it reduce by half.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Add chopped tomatoes, beef stock, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
   • Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for at least 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine & Serve:
   • Remove bay leaf from sauce. Toss spaghetti with sauce or serve sauce on top of pasta.
   • Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and basil.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep pasta bowls, topped with Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
• Pair with garlic bread and a side salad (like Caesar or Caprese) for a complete Italian meal.
• For wine lovers, pair with a glass of Chianti or Merlot.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For extra richness, use half beef and half pork.
• A splash of milk or cream added at the end gives the sauce a velvety texture.
• Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Cook low and slow—longer simmering = richer flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian Bolognese: Swap meat with lentils or mushrooms.
• Turkey Bolognese: Use ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Zoodle Bolognese: Serve sauce over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Cheesy Bolognese: Stir in ricotta or mozzarella for a creamier sauce.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Sauce (without pasta) freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat.
• Do Not Freeze Pasta: Cook pasta fresh for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon
• Cheese grater

Conclusion

The Classic Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Cheese is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that brings people together. With its rich sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and savory Parmesan topping, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a global favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish guarantees satisfaction every single time.