Pasta Bolognese is a classic Italian dish known for its rich and savory meat sauce. It is typically made with ground beef or pork, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, and served over a bed of al dente pasta. The slow-cooked sauce imparts a depth of flavor, making Pasta Bolognese a beloved comfort food enjoyed worldwide with this easy version, you need 30 minutes to make it.
Ingredients for bolognese Pasta
Beef
Usually beef or pork is used for bolognese sauce but I used ground beef only. After cooking down the onions, add minced beef and cook it until it changes color before adding any spices. I used lean beef but if you prefer you can also use 20% fat and 80% lean beef as well.
Spices
The spices used in this recipe are so simple, you only need garlic powder, chicken bouillon or chicken cube, black pepper, oregano, and Italian seasoning. These spices work harmoniously to elevate the flavors in the dish, with the garlic powder adding a savory depth, the chicken bouillon or cube providing a rich umami taste, and the black pepper, oregano, and Italian seasoning contributing warmth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Onion
I used one medium-sized chopped onion. Saute the onion until it changes color, sauteing the onions until they change color releases their natural sugars, imparting a rich and caramelized flavor to the dish then add crushed garlic. If desired, carrots and celery can also be included to introduce earthy and vegetal undertones, providing a delightful complexity to the overall flavor composition. Cook the vegetables along with onions before adding beef.
Pasta sauce
When it comes to pasta, the choice of sauce plays a crucial role in defining the flavor profile of the dish. While tomato sauce is the classic choice for many pasta recipes, using alternative sauces can add an interesting twist to the flavors. I used pasta sauce for this recipe. Be careful with the amount of additional salt if the sauce is already salty.
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How to serve Bolognese Pasta
Bolognese sauce is usually served over spaghetti, but you can use any pasta of your choice. I used tortellini because it looks pretty and I like the texture. Serve some Parmesan cheese and green onions on the side. Add some crushed red chilies if you prefer spicy.
How to store Bolognese Pasta
You can store any remaining food for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I prefer to store the sauce separately and prepare fresh pasta to combine with the sauce just before serving. In fact, storing the pasta and sauce separately can help maintain the quality of the dish, as the pasta will remain firm and the sauce won’t soak into it. Additionally, you can consider freezing the sauce in an ice cube tray for a convenient single-serve portion when needed. This way, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort on busy days.
Best Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef minced
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1.5 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 16 oz pasta cooked according to package directions
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for serving
Spices
- 1 chicken cubes
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp Red chili flakes or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Peel and dice onion.
- In a pot, over medium heat add oil and diced onions. Sauté onions for about 4 minutes or until they become translucent.
- Add garlic and minced beef. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add all of the spices, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Mix it well.
- Add pasta sauce and water. Mix and cook on high heat.
- Once it comes to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile cook the pasta according to the package direction.
- You can mix the sauce with pasta or serve on the side along with parmesan cheese.