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Spaghetti Bolognese (Ragù alla Bolognese)

The classic slow-simmered Bolognese meat sauce from Emilia-Romagna, served over spaghetti.

120 minutes
Serves 4
Lunch/Dinner

Instructions

  1. 1

    Build the Soffritto: Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery and cook gently for 8-10 minutes until soft and sweet.

  2. 2

    Brown the Meat: Raise the heat, add the ground meat, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until deeply browned and any liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Deglaze: Pour in the red wine and let it bubble until almost evaporated, scraping the bottom of the pot.

  4. 4

    Add the Milk: Stir in the milk and simmer until absorbed — this tenderises the meat and rounds out the flavour.

  5. 5

    Simmer Low and Slow: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes with a splash of water. Bring to a bare simmer, partially cover, and cook for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until rich and thick.

  6. 6

    Serve: Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, drain, and toss with a few spoonfuls of the ragù. Plate and top with more sauce and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.

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