This hearty Spaghetti Bolognese is packed with meaty goodness, fresh herbs, and a rich tomato sauce that will make you want to twirl your fork all night long!
Honestly, who can resist a big bowl of this comforting dish? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—it makes it even better.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A must for sautéing your veggies, but you can substitute with vegetable or canola oil if needed. I enjoy using extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
Minced Beef and Pork: The mix gives depth to the sauce. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken can work too. Use a fattier blend for flavor!
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use low-fat milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Canned Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are great if they’re in season, but canned are convenient year-round. Just make sure they’re good quality.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme makes a difference in taste. If you don’t have it, dried thyme could work, but use less as it’s more potent.
How Do I Cook Spaghetti to Perfection?
Cooking spaghetti seems simple, but a few tricks help achieve that perfect texture. First, always use a large pot of salted water—this flavors the pasta!
- Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the spaghetti.
- Stir it gently right after adding to prevent sticking.
- Check the package for cooking times, and taste a minute before the time is up—look for “al dente” (firm but cooked).
- Drain the spaghetti but never rinse it; this keeps the starch, helping the sauce stick.
Trust me, these steps make all the difference for a delicious, satisfying meal!
Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 400g (14 oz) minced beef (ideally with some fat content)
- 100g (3.5 oz) minced pork
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 150ml (2/3 cup) whole milk
- 150ml (2/3 cup) good quality beef stock
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh thyme sprigs (about 3-4)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. The longer you let it simmer, the better the flavor will be, so it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon cooking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook gently for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the crushed garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. This will bring out the lovely flavors!
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the minced beef and minced pork to the pan. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned all over.
4. Stir in the Tomato Purée:
Once the meat is nicely browned, stir in the tomato purée and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This will deepen the flavor of your Bolognese.
5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the canned chopped tomatoes, beef stock, milk, bay leaf, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook very gently uncovered for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally. If the sauce starts to reduce too much, feel free to add a little more stock or water. The slow cooking will enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.
7. Cook the Spaghetti:
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to stir to prevent sticking!
8. Combine and Serve:
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and return to the pot or transfer it to a warmed plate. Spoon a generous amount of your delicious Bolognese sauce on top.
9. Garnish:
Finish by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a pop of color!
10. Enjoy!
Serve immediately. Twirl the spaghetti around your fork and savor every hearty bite of this classic dish!
This Spaghetti Bolognese is a delightful and comforting meal that showcases Gordon Ramsay’s emphasis on rich flavors and quality ingredients. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses minced beef and pork for richness, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember that different meats may alter the flavor slightly.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Bolognese Sauce?
You can store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months! Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This sauce is even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance, cool it, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or stock if needed.
How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer time to help evaporate excess liquid. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers to thicken it up quickly.
