Classic American Spaghetti Bolognese
Ground beef simmered with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth flavored with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Served over al dente spaghetti and topped with Parmesan cheese. A straightforward weeknight meat sauce that builds flavor through gentle simmering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain excess fat.
- 2
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- 3
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente and drain.
- 5
Serve spaghetti topped with bolognese sauce and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
Brown the beef thoroughly to develop flavor before adding aromatics.
Stir the sauce occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for better melting and taste.
Good to Know
Refrigerate sauce in airtight container up to 3 days. Freeze up to 3 months.
Prepare sauce up to 1 day ahead; reheat gently before serving. Cook pasta fresh.
Serve immediately after combining with hot pasta. Offer extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes at table.
Common Mistakes
Overcook the beef to prevent a grainy texture; brown until just cooked through.
Skip draining fat from beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
Simmer less than 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
Overcook spaghetti to avoid mushy texture; taste frequently near end of cooking.