Spaghetti Bolognese from Scratch

This spaghetti bolognese from scratch recipe is one of Shirley’s stone cold classics, and one she regularly whips up for the family at home.

If you have been making bolognese with shop-bought sauce, you really need to stop and try this recipe.

It is simple to make, packed with flavour, and does not rely on a jar full of preservatives or loads of added sugar. Once you have made homemade spaghetti bolognese from scratch, you probably will not want to go back to anything straight out of a jar.

Also, it is a great excuse to buy a nice bottle of red wine and sneak a glass while you cook. Just save a bit for the sauce. And maybe some for the meal. Important stuff.

What Is Spaghetti Bolognese?

Spaghetti bolognese is a pasta dish made with spaghetti and a rich meat-based tomato sauce.

This version uses beef mince, onion, garlic, tomatoes, tomato purée, beef stock, red wine and Italian herbs to make a simple homemade bolognese sauce.

It is not complicated, but it does need a little time to simmer so the sauce can thicken and the flavours can come together.

Why Make Bolognese from Scratch?

Making bolognese from scratch gives you better flavour and more control over what goes into the sauce.

You can choose good beef mince, adjust the seasoning, control the thickness, and decide how rich you want the sauce to be.

It also tastes much better than most ready-made jars. Sorry jars, but it’s true.

Spaghetti Bolognese from Scratch Ingredients

• 450g beef mince
• 1 medium onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes with mixed herbs
• 2 level tbsp plain flour
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• Pinch of Italian herb seasoning
• ½ pint beef stock
• 1 medium glass of red wine
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 350g spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan or cheese, to serve

How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese from Scratch

1. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan.
3. Add the onion and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until soft but not browned.
4. Add the garlic and beef mince.
5. Brown the mince quickly, breaking it up as it cooks.
6. Add the flour, seasoning, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée and Italian herbs, stirring as you go.
7. Add the beef stock and red wine.
8. Lower the heat, place the lid on the saucepan, and simmer gently for around 45 minutes.
9. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce does not stick to the pan or become too thick.
10. Add a little more stock if the sauce needs loosening.
11. About 15 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti in a pan of boiling water.
12. Drain the spaghetti once cooked to your liking.
13. Serve the bolognese sauce over the spaghetti with grated Parmesan or cheese on top.

What Mince Is Best for Spaghetti Bolognese?

Beef mince is the classic choice for spaghetti bolognese.

You want mince with enough fat to give the sauce flavour, but not so much that it turns greasy. Around 85% lean beef mince works really well for a homemade bolognese sauce.

Lean mince can also work, but a little fat helps carry the flavour and gives the sauce a better finish.

Do You Need Red Wine in Bolognese?

You do not have to use red wine, but it does add depth and richness to the sauce.

The wine cooks down as the bolognese simmers, leaving flavour behind. You do not need an expensive bottle, but use something you would be happy to drink.

If you do not want to use wine, replace it with extra beef stock.

Why Add Flour to Bolognese?

The flour helps thicken the bolognese sauce.

It coats the mince and helps give the sauce a richer, slightly thicker texture as it simmers.

Make sure you stir it through before adding the stock and wine so it mixes properly and does not clump.

How Long Should Bolognese Simmer?

This spaghetti bolognese sauce should simmer gently for around 45 minutes.

That gives the beef, tomato, stock, wine and herbs time to come together.

If you have more time, you can simmer it a little longer over a low heat. Just stir occasionally and add a splash more stock if the sauce gets too thick.

Can You Make Spaghetti Bolognese Ahead of Time?

Yes, bolognese sauce is great for making ahead.

In fact, like a lot of mince dishes, it often tastes even better the next day once the flavours have had time to settle.

Cool the sauce, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Reheat until piping hot all the way through before serving.

Can You Freeze Bolognese Sauce?

Yes, bolognese sauce freezes really well.

Cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe tubs or bags, label it, and freeze.

Freezing the sauce without the spaghetti usually works best. Then you can cook fresh pasta when you are ready to eat.

How to Make Quick Garlic Bread

If you are forgetful like me and you have forgotten to buy garlic bread, do not panic.

Press or finely chop a clove of garlic, mix it with real butter and a little chopped parsley, then spread it onto a sliced baguette.

Warm it through in the oven until the butter has melted and the bread is golden.

Job done. Garlic bread.

What to Serve with Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti bolognese is brilliant with garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, steamed greens, crusty bread or extra Parmesan.

It also works well with other pasta shapes if you do not have spaghetti.

For more easy family meal ideas, browse our beef range or our 85% British beef mince.

Tips for Better Spaghetti Bolognese from Scratch

• Soften the onion properly before adding the mince.
• Brown the mince well for better flavour.
• Use beef mince with a little fat for a richer sauce.
• Add red wine for depth, or extra stock if you prefer no wine.
• Simmer gently so the sauce thickens and develops flavour.
• Stir occasionally so the sauce does not catch.
• Cook the spaghetti just before serving.
• Save leftovers because bolognese is excellent the next day.

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti bolognese from scratch is one of those recipes everyone should have in their back pocket.

It is simple, comforting, family-friendly and much better than a jar of ready-made sauce.

Use good beef mince, let the sauce simmer, serve it with spaghetti and cheese, and do not forget the garlic bread.

Shirley’s never gets any complaints, and that’s usually a pretty good sign.

FAQs

How do you make spaghetti bolognese from scratch?

Cook onion and garlic in olive oil, brown the beef mince, then add flour, tomatoes, tomato purée, herbs, beef stock and red wine. Simmer gently for around 45 minutes and serve with cooked spaghetti.

What mince is best for spaghetti bolognese?

Beef mince with a little fat works best. Around 85% lean beef mince gives good flavour without making the sauce too greasy.

Do you need red wine for bolognese?

No, but red wine adds richness and depth. If you do not want to use wine, replace it with extra beef stock.

How long should bolognese sauce simmer?

Simmer bolognese sauce gently for around 45 minutes. You can cook it longer on a low heat if you want a deeper flavour.

Can you freeze bolognese sauce?

Yes, bolognese sauce freezes well. Cool it completely, portion it into containers, and freeze without the spaghetti for best results.

Can you make bolognese ahead of time?

Yes, bolognese is great made ahead and often tastes better the next day. Reheat until piping hot all the way through before serving.

What can you serve with spaghetti bolognese?

Serve spaghetti bolognese with garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, steamed greens, crusty bread or grated Parmesan.