The Perfect Traditional Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe (Say Goodbye to Instant Sauces!)

My Perfect Traditional Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe

If you're looking for The Perfect Traditional Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe, you've come to the right place. This classic dish combines rich, slow-cooked flavors with fresh, simple ingredients to create a meal that's both comforting and unforgettable.

The secret to The Perfect Traditional Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe lies in its foundation: the soffritto. A blend of finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery sautéed in olive oil creates the aromatic base that sets this recipe apart. Add to that ground beef, a splash of red wine, and creamy milk, and you have a sauce that's bursting with flavor and tradition.

Unlike quick-fix instant sauces, this recipe focuses on authenticity and a slow-simmered cooking method to bring out the best in every ingredient. Serve it over al dente spaghetti and top with freshly grated Parmesan for a dish that’s as perfect for weeknights as it is for special occasions.

Follow the steps in this guide to master The Perfect Traditional Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe and impress your family or guests with this timeless Italian favorite.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion (130 g), finely chopped

• ½ carrot (200 g), grated

• 2 stalks celery (50 g each), finely chopped

• 500 g ground beef

• 150 ml good-quality dry red wine

• 250 ml tomato passata

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Nutmeg, to taste

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• A pinch of dried thyme

• A pinch of dried rosemary

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• 300 ml water

• 100 ml milk

• 400 g spaghetti

• 40 g Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion until translucent.

2. Add the grated carrot and celery. Cook until the vegetables are lightly browned—this is the base, known as "soffritto."

3. Stir in the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink.

4. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until reduced. Add the tomato passata.

5. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, bay leaves, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce if using.

6. Add the water, lower the heat, and let it simmer gently for an hour.

7. Stir in the milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a creamy finish.

8. Cook the spaghetti al dente and serve topped with the rich Bolognese sauce and grated Parmesan.

Enjoy your perfect pasta:) Bon Appetito!

Making Bolognese spaghetti from scratch is more than just cooking—it’s about embracing the process and creating something truly special for your loved ones. While instant sauces may save time, the satisfaction of making a homemade version is unmatched. Plus, the taste is on a whole new level!

If you enjoyed this recipe, there’s so much more to explore. Check out my other classic dishes for easy, budget-friendly meals your family will love. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for exclusive content, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at my kitchen adventures.

Got a family recipe you swear by? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make your Bolognese! And if you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Did it become a new favorite?

Cooking is all about connecting, experimenting, and enjoying the process. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious together. See you in the next recipe!