Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese - Family Favourite!

Summary

This easy spaghetti bolognese recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes. The dish is packed with extra veggies like mushrooms and carrots, adding flavor and nutrition without compromising on taste. With simple ingredients such as minced beef, red wine, and tin tomatoes, the sauce simmers to a rich, hearty texture while the pasta cooks. Ideal for feeding a crowd, this family-friendly recipe is loved by all ages, making it a quick, delicious, and nutritious option for any dinner table.

Takeaways

• 😀 Quick and simple Spaghetti Bolognese can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• 😀 The recipe includes common ingredients like olive oil, onions, garlic, minced beef, and red wine.
• 😀 Adding finely chopped mushrooms and carrots helps bulk up the dish and adds extra flavor and nutrition.
• 😀 The key to the onions is softening them, not browning them, for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• 😀 Red wine is used to add depth to the sauce, and the alcohol is cooked off during the boiling process.
• 😀 The sauce is made with tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and a crumbled beef stock cube.
• 😀 A pinch of light brown sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.
• 😀 The entire meal is family-friendly, and even picky eaters won’t notice the extra vegetables in the sauce.
• 😀 The recipe is adaptable for different taste preferences (such as chopping mushrooms small to hide them).
• 😀 The Bolognese sauce simmers for 10-12 minutes while the spaghetti cooks, making it a seamless meal prep.
• 😀 The recipe is perfect for feeding large groups, as it can easily be scaled up for family gatherings or dinner parties.

Q & A

How long does it take to prepare this spaghetti bolognese recipe?

This spaghetti bolognese recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal.

What is the purpose of adding mushrooms and carrots to the bolognese?

Mushrooms and carrots are added to bulk up the dish and provide extra depth of flavor. They also add nutritional value to the meal.

Can I use whole mushrooms in this recipe?

Yes, you can use whole mushrooms if you prefer, or you can chop them up roughly depending on your preference. The family in the recipe prefers finely chopped mushrooms due to taste preferences.

What can I substitute if I don’t have red wine for the bolognese?

If you don't have red wine, you can substitute with beef broth, vegetable broth, or even a splash of vinegar to replicate the acidity and depth of flavor the wine provides.

Why is it important to let the red wine reduce for a few minutes?

Reducing the red wine allows the alcohol to evaporate, leaving behind a concentrated flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bolognese sauce.

What are some of the ingredients added to the bolognese after the wine reduction?

After the wine reduction, ingredients such as tin tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, a crumbled beef stock cube, light brown sugar, salt, and black pepper are added to the bolognese sauce.

Why is brown sugar added to the bolognese sauce?

The light brown sugar helps to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful sauce.

How do you ensure the pasta and bolognese sauce are ready at the same time?

To ensure everything is ready at the same time, the pasta is boiled in a separate large pan while the bolognese sauce simmers for about 10 to 12 minutes. This way, both components are cooked and ready to serve together.

Can this recipe be adapted for a larger group?

Yes, this recipe can easily be scaled up. The creator mentions making it for 10 family members, ranging in age from 2 to 66, and everyone loved it. Adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly to serve a larger group.

Is this recipe considered a traditional bolognese?

While this recipe might not be considered a traditional bolognese, it is a family favorite and has become a hit due to its quick preparation and the ability to incorporate extra vegetables.