Classic Beef Spaghetti Bolognese
Looking for budget friendly dinner recipes that everyone will love? This Classic Beef Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless favorite, offering rich flavors and hearty satisfaction without breaking the bank. You’ll find it simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can substitute with ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Essential for the sauce’s body. Diced tomatoes can work in a pinch, but crush them slightly first.
- Spaghetti: Any long pasta works well. Penne or fettuccine are good alternatives.
- Onion, Carrots, Celery: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base. If you don’t have one, just use more of the others.
- Garlic: Fresh is best, but a teaspoon of garlic powder can be used if fresh isn’t available.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti
Optional (for serving):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free alternative)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving (estimated): 450-500
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 45 minutes, or up to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This long simmer develops the rich flavors essential for this budget friendly dinner. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cook the Spaghetti
About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Divide the cooked spaghetti among serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of the rich beef bolognese sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated cheese, if desired, for a truly satisfying budget friendly dinner.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
- Hidden Veggies: Finely grate zucchini or mushrooms into the sauce during simmering.
- Creamy Bolognese: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a dairy-free cream alternative at the end for a richer sauce.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover bolognese sauce stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Reheat cooked spaghetti separately or toss with a little water before microwaving to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you make this bolognese ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The flavors often improve the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or busy schedules.
Q: How do you thicken the bolognese sauce if it’s too thin?
A: Remove the lid and let the sauce simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Q: What if you don’t have beef broth?
A: You can substitute with vegetable broth or water, though beef broth adds a deeper flavor.
Q: Can you make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Is this bolognese freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, the sauce freezes very well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Q: How do you make this a vegetarian budget friendly dinner?
A: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based ground substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
