Life Without Alu?: Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Spaghetti Bolognese is one of those dishes that never disappoints. It's hearty, comforting, and always hits the spot. I decided to make it as a trial run for my family as an easy Friday night dinner, and it was such a hit! Not only did it satisfy everyone's cravings, but it was the perfect way to ensure Prisha could enjoy some meat with her dinner, which was a real treat for her.

This recipe brings back fond memories of our recent trip to New York. While we were there, we stopped at a cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Manhattan. We ordered a plate of Spaghetti Bolognese, and it was simply divine. The rich, savory sauce paired with the perfectly cooked pasta took me right back to the heart of Italy, and I couldn't help but think, I have to recreate this at home. The moment we sat down and tasted that dish, I knew I wanted to bring that same comforting feeling to our kitchen.

And so, I gave it a shot! The recipe I’m sharing today was inspired by that New York meal, and it completely captured the essence of that cozy dinner we shared. Each bite took me right back to that little Italian restaurant and the laughter-filled moments of our trip. It was like reliving our adventure all over again.

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

Tomato Sauce - 1 (16-ounce) can
Tomato Paste or Ketchup - 2 tablespoons
Dried Oregano - 2 teaspoons
Dried Basil - 2 teaspoons
Salt - ½ teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper - ½ teaspoon
Garlic Powder - ½ teaspoon
Heavy Cream - ¼ cup (for a creamy touch)

For the Pasta:

Spaghetti - 8 oz
Salted water for boiling

For the Meat:

Ground Beef - 12 ozs
Olive or Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons
Onion - 1 medium, chopped
Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
Beef Bouillon - 2 tablespoons (for added flavor)

For serving:

Parmesan cheese - a handful (grated)
Fresh Basil Leaves - a handful (washed and chopped)

Instructions:

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes, or until softened and light golden.
Cook the Beef: Turn the heat up to high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. I added 2 tablespoons of beef bouillon for extra flavor—it's an easy trick that makes a big difference!
Make the Sauce: Once the beef is browned, add in the tomato sauce, tomato paste (or ketchup), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add Cream: To make the sauce even more indulgent, I stirred in ¼ cup of heavy cream. This gave the sauce a rich, creamy texture that everyone loved. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is ready, serve the Bolognese sauce over a plate of spaghetti. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top always adds a nice touch. I even tossed on a few fresh basil leaves for some extra flavor and color (but forgot to take that photo)!

Tips:

For an even richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine along with the tomato sauce and paste.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, just let it simmer longer to reduce.
Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can take the flavor to the next level.

Drink Pairings:

To complement the rich, savory flavors of Spaghetti Bolognese, consider these drink choices:

Red Wine: A classic pairing for pasta with meat sauce. Opt for a medium-bodied red like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines have enough tannins and acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
Sparkling Water: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water is an excellent choice. It’s refreshing and will cleanse the palate between bites, making it perfect for rich pasta dishes.
Italian Soda: For something a bit more festive, an Italian soda made with fruit syrup and sparkling water offers a sweet contrast to the savory meal.
Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea with a slice of lemon can provide a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the heavy meat sauce.

Dessert Pairings:

To finish off the meal, here are a few dessert options that will beautifully round out your Spaghetti Bolognese dinner:

Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert is the perfect ending to an Italian-inspired meal. The creamy layers of mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa powder are light yet indulgent.
Panna Cotta: A smooth, vanilla-flavored Italian custard that’s simple yet elegant. Top it with fresh berries or a raspberry coulis for a burst of freshness.
Chocolate Lava Cake: For the chocolate lovers, this decadent dessert with a gooey center is rich, satisfying, and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Lemon Sorbet: If you're looking for something lighter, a refreshing lemon sorbet offers a zesty, cool finish to the meal. It’s perfect for cleansing the palate after a hearty dish like Spaghetti Bolognese.

Enjoy!

Making this Spaghetti Bolognese was such a win! It was quick enough to keep things relaxed for our Friday night, but still felt like a satisfying homemade meal. Prisha loved it, and it was nice to see her enjoy some meat with her dinner—something that can be tricky with picky eaters! Whether you’re testing a new recipe for your family or just in need of an easy comfort meal, this Spaghetti Bolognese will always be a crowd-pleaser. Add the perfect drink and dessert, and you've got a dinner that's truly special. The best part? It brought back so many great memories of our New York trip—something I’ll always cherish!