Rich, slow-simmered and deeply comforting, this classic pasta Bolognese is the ultimate Italian weeknight favorite. Ground beef, tomatoes, herbs and a splash of red wine cook down into a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. For more cozy pasta nights, try this Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan or this One-Pan Spicy Minced Meat Pasta.
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) pasta
- 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 250 g (8.8 oz) ground beef
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Italian herbs to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 50 ml (3 tbsp + 1 tsp) red wine
- Olive oil for cooking
- Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Soften them in olive oil over medium heat for about 1.5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and break it up. When it is nearly cooked, pour in the wine, stir and let it bubble for 1.5 minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Italian herbs, salt and pepper.
- Lay the thyme sprigs and bay leaves on top, cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions.
- Toss the pasta through the sauce.
- Serve with grated Parmesan.
Tips
- Simmering gently for the full 30 minutes gives the sauce its rich, mellow flavor.
- Save a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta beautifully.
- For more Italian-inspired cooking ideas, browse the recipes at Allrecipes.
Nutrition: per 100 g: 104 kcal, protein 8 g, fat 4 g, carbs 8 g