Description
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese with Ground Beef made with a rich tomato base, tender vegetables, and slow simmered meat for deep, comforting flavor. This version uses simple pantry ingredients and creates a thick, hearty sauce that coats each bite of pasta perfectly.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion diced
3 celery sticks small diced
2 carrot sticks peeled and small diced
2 garlic cloves minced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Pasta of choice such as Tagliatelle or Spaghetti
Chopped parsley for serving
Grated Cabot or Tillamook cheese for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic and cook until softened while stirring often.
Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and crumbled.
Pour in the milk and let it simmer until mostly absorbed while stirring occasionally to help tenderize the beef.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano, and nutmeg. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil then reduce to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for at least thirty minutes or longer for deeper flavor. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and portion into bowls. Spoon the Bolognese sauce over the pasta and top with parsley and grated cheese.
Notes
Refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water.
Freeze the sauce without pasta for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
The sauce can be made up to three days ahead for improved flavor. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American