This spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish with rich flavors. It’s made with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices that simmer together for extra yum!
Making this recipe is fun! I love to serve it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. You won’t believe how quickly it disappears at the dinner table! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is used for sautéing the vegetables. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil instead. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still work well in the recipe.
Lean Ground Beef: Ground beef gives a lovely texture and flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, though they may make the dish a bit lighter.
Pancetta or Bacon: Pancetta adds a nice salty kick. If you’re looking for a substitution, diced ham or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version can work well.
Red Wine: The wine adds depth to the sauce. If you’re not drinking alcohol, try substituting with grape juice or even beef stock, although the flavor will differ slightly.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme is fantastic here. If unavailable, dried thyme will do, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon, as dried herbs are stronger. You can also use oregano for a different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Rich and Flavorful Sauce?
Cooking the Bolognese sauce slowly is key for enhancing its flavors. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Start by heating the olive oil and cooking the diced carrots, celery, and onions until soft. This builds the flavor base.
- Add garlic and pancetta next, cooking just until the pancetta is crispy. This adds depth.
- When you add the ground beef, make sure to break it apart well and brown it completely.
- Don’t rush the wine reduction! Let it simmer and reduce; this concentrates the flavors.
- Slow simmering the sauce for at least an hour allows all ingredients to meld, creating a rich taste.
Remember, it’s all about patience! The longer you let it cook, the more flavor you’ll create!
Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery sticks, finely diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g (1.1 lbs) lean ground beef
- 100g (3.5 oz) pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 150ml (5 fl oz) red wine
- 150ml (5 fl oz) beef stock
- 1 bay leaf
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
For Serving:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and at least 1 hour for cooking. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to create this delicious Spaghetti Bolognese.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Vegetables:
In a large heavy-based pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced carrots, celery, and onion. Cook gently for about 7-8 minutes until they are soft. This is the foundation of your sauce!
2. Add the Aromatics:
Next, throw in the minced garlic and chopped pancetta (or bacon). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to infuse the flavors.
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart, cooking until it is browned all over. This adds a beautiful richness to your sauce.
4. Deepen the Flavor:
Stir in the tomato purée and cook for about 2 minutes. This step deepens the flavor and helps develop the sauce.
5. Introduce the Wine:
Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. This will concentrate the flavors significantly!
6. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
Add the canned chopped tomatoes, beef stock, bay leaf, and thyme to the pan. Stir well to combine everything together – it’s beginning to smell wonderful!
7. Simmer for Flavor:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially with a lid, and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally and add a touch of water if it gets too thick. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
8. Cook the Spaghetti:
When you’re ready to serve, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
9. Plate It Up:
Drain the spaghetti and divide it among your serving plates. Spoon that rich Bolognese sauce generously over the top of the pasta.
10. Add the Finishing Touches:
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that perfect touch of color and brightness.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately while it’s hot! Enjoy your hearty Spaghetti Bolognese, just like Gordon Ramsay would!
This recipe creates a rich, hearty Bolognese with tender vegetables and deep flavors from slow cooking, capturing the essence of classic Italian cooking — a true crowd-pleaser! 🍝
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats. Just adjust the cooking time as lean meats may cook faster.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve, adding a splash of water or stock if it gets too thick.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the Bolognese sauce for up to 3 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Pasta Works Best with Bolognese?
While spaghetti is a traditional choice, you can use other types of pasta like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free option if you prefer. Just follow the cooking instructions for the specific pasta you choose!