Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese
Description
Whip up a quick and flavorful spaghetti bolognese that even picky eaters will love! This kid-friendly recipe features a rich, savory tomato and meat sauce, balanced with a touch of sweetness for a comforting family favorite.
Ingredients
⇵
For the Spaghetti
For the Beef Sauce (Bolognese)
For Garnish (Optional)
Instructions
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In a Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it's very hot.
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Add the ground beef and sear for 3-4 minutes on one side until crispy.
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Flip the beef and repeat on the other side for 2-3 minutes.
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Mash all the beef together using a potato masher until fine.
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Add the finely diced onion and finely chopped garlic to the beef in the pot.
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Stir occasionally and reduce heat to medium. Cook until the onions are translucent.
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Season the beef and onion mixture with salt, black pepper, oregano, and Cajun spice (if using). Stir well to combine the seasonings.
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Add the tomato paste and stir it in thoroughly. Stir in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato juice).
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Add the ketchup, sugar, butter, and fresh thyme (if using, or dried thyme). Stir everything well.
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Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until it's slightly thickened and the flavors have melded.
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Place spaghetti in a pot of generously salted boiling water. Cook according to package instructions or until done. Do not drain the pasta water.
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Using tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot to the beef sauce, allowing excess water to drain slightly.
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Add the reserved pasta cooking water to the sauce with the spaghetti.
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Reduce the heat to low and toss the pasta and sauce together until all the spaghetti is evenly coated.
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Place one portion of spaghetti with sauce in a shallow bowl. Grate Parmesan cheese on top.
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Finally, garnish with some chopped parsley/cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately.
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