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A pan of pasta bolognese garnished with basil sprigs and parmesan cheese.
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Pasta Bolognese

This pasta bolognese is a savory meat sauce tossed with spaghetti and served with parmesan and fresh basil. A classic Italian meal that always gets rave reviews and is perfect for feeding a crowd!
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 593kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 ounces pancetta finely diced
  • 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
  • 3/4 cup onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup carrot peeled and finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes do not drain
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and crispy.
  • Add the ground beef to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the beef into small pieces with a spatula.
  • Add the onion and carrot to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning, then cook for 30 seconds. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the red wine to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until wine is reduced by half.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
  • Pour the pasta in with the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta cooking water to thin it out.
  • Top the pasta with basil and parmesan cheese, then serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 593kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 698mg | Potassium: 1023mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2494IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 5mg