Noodles Bolognese, often referred to as Spaghetti Bolognese, is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring a rich and savory meat sauce served over cooked noodles. Here’s a recipe for Noodles Bolognese:
Ingredients:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
For the Noodles:
- 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- Salt for boiling water
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and then add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
- If using red wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes (the longer, the better), stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
For the Noodles:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Once the Bolognese sauce is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the cooked noodles on plates or in bowls and top with the Bolognese sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Noodles Bolognese with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying and delicious meal!