Preparation
Step-by-step recipe
Step 1: The basis of the flavor — sofrito
Heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
Add the onion, carrot, and celery.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently.
✔️ The vegetables should become soft and sweet
. ❌ Do not allow them to brown or burn.
Step 2: Properly brown the meat
Add the ground meat and increase the heat slightly.
Break it up with a spatula and cook until:
- the pink color disappears
- excess moisture evaporates
- the meat begins to brown
Season with salt and pepper.
🔥 It is the frying that creates the rich flavor — don't rush it.
Step 3: Tomato paste and wine
Add the tomato paste and heat it for 2 minutes.
Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate almost completely.
This removes the sharpness of the alcohol and deepens the flavor.
Step 4: Milk — the secret ingredient
Slowly pour in the milk and let it absorb completely.
Why add milk:
- it softens the acidity
- makes the meat more tender
- gives the sauce a velvety texture
This step is often skipped, but it is what makes Bolognese authentic.
Step 5: Slow simmering
Add the broth and bay leaf (if desired).
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for
- at least 45 minutes
- ideally 1.5–2 hours
Stir occasionally.
The sauce should become thick, rich, and meaty.
How to cook spaghetti correctly
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil
- Add plenty of salt — the water should be as salty as the sea
- Cook the pasta al dente
- Save ½ cup of the pasta water
- Drain the water (do not rinse)
How to properly combine pasta and sauce
Never pour sauce over pasta already on the plate.
The correct way:
- Transfer the spaghetti to the pan with the sauce
- Stir gently
- Add water from the pasta if necessary
- Heat together for 30–60 seconds
This way, the sauce coats the pasta instead of running off it.
Common mistakes
❌ Too many tomatoes
❌ Cooking too quickly
❌ Not adding milk
❌ Overcooked pasta
❌ Meat that is too lean
✔️ Bolognese is all about balance and patience.
Recipe variations
🍷 With red wine
Use dry red wine for a richer flavor.
🐖 Beef + pork
Mix 50/50 ground meat — a very authentic option.
🌿 Herbs
Classic Bolognese hardly uses any herbs.
If you add any, use only a little bay leaf or thyme.
Storage and freezing
- In the refrigerator: up to 4 days
- In the freezer: up to 3 months
- The flavor gets even better the next day
An excellent option for meal prep.
Nutritional value (per serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: ~28 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Carbohydrates: ~55 g
Filling, balanced, suitable for the whole family.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Bolognese is not just a meal.
It is a tradition, a technique, and comfort.
Once you've mastered this recipe,
- you will be able to confidently cook for guests
- understand the basics of Italian sauces
- you will forget about store-bought sauces forever