This is one of those recipes that never lets me down. Whether it’s a midweek dinner, a Sunday comfort meal, or something to stash in the freezer, spaghetti Bolognese is always a win in our house.
I’m sharing my go-to version—it’s simple, hearty, and uses ingredients you probably already have in the cupboard. If you’re looking for a meal that’s warm, comforting, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, this is the one.
What the Meal Is
This spaghetti Bolognese is a rich, savoury beef mince sauce simmered in tomatoes, garlic, and herbs—served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a comforting classic that’s quick enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve to guests
Why You’ll Love It
- Made with easy-to-find ingredients
- Ready in around 30 minutes
- Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
- Great for batch cooking
- Comforting, satisfying, and full of flavour
What Does It Taste Like?
Think deep tomato richness, a hint of garlic, and tender beef with warming Italian herbs. The sauce clings to the spaghetti in the best way—every bite is saucy, savoury, and comforting.
Benefits
- High in protein
- Freezes beautifully for another day
- Can be loaded with hidden veg
- Easy to adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets
- Budget-friendly and feeds a crowd
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Bolognese:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g beef mince
- 1 carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 1 courgette, grated (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 beef stock cube (optional for richness)
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For the pasta:
- 300–400g dried spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan or cheddar to serve (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large frying pan or saucepan
- Chopping board and knife
- Garlic press or grater
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon
How to Make It
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the beef mince. Cook until browned.
- Add the grated carrot and courgette, then stir in tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, herbs, stock cube (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to packet instructions. Drain.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over spaghetti and top with cheese if you like.
Additional Tips
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a no-effort future dinner
- Add a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens
- Use wholewheat spaghetti for added fibre
- Swap beef mince for turkey or veggie mince for a lighter version
- Stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end for a richer sauce
FAQs
Can I freeze spaghetti Bolognese?
Yes! Freeze the sauce (not the pasta) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the hob until piping hot.
Can I make this ahead?
Definitely—it tastes even better the next day. Just store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What veg can I hide in it?
Carrot, courgette, mushrooms, red peppers, or even blended lentils work great.
