A classic Italian dish, spaghetti bolognese is a filling and flavoursome meal that the whole family will enjoy. With a simple yet tasty sauce made from beef, tomatoes and herbs, this dish can be on the table in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 400g tinned tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 500g spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese, to serve
Method
- In a large saucepan, brown the beef mince over a high heat. Add the onion, garlic and carrot, and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the tinned tomatoes, sugar, oregano and a little salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large saucepan of boiling water according to the packet instructions. Drain and return to the pan.
- Add the bolognese sauce to the pasta and stir well. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
Potential changes & improvements
There are many ways you can change up this classic dish to suit your own taste. Try adding some chopped mushrooms or red pepper to the sauce, or swap the beef mince for pork or lamb. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the meat and add an extra tinned vegetable such as sweetcorn or kidney beans.
What other food it works well with
This dish is traditionally served with a green salad and some garlic bread. However, it also goes well with steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making spaghetti bolognese is to overcook the pasta. This will make it very mushy and difficult to eat. Another mistake is to add the cheese to the sauce, which will make it very greasy. Instead, sprinkle it on top of each serving.
Nutritional Information
This dish is high in protein and low in fat. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium and potassium.
Allergens
This dish contains the following allergens:
- Beef
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Oregano
- Spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese