Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe in Under 30 Minutes
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Quick and Easy Taste of Italy
I remember the exact day this recipe for Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese came to life—it was one of those evenings when everything seemed to be happening at once. I had just come home from work, juggling grocery bags and a dozen to-dos in my head. My kids were buzzing around, asking what was for dinner, and I realized I had forgotten to plan anything. In the midst of the chaos, I needed to whip up something fast, filling, and of course, delicious.
The pantry offered up its usual suspects: canned tomatoes, pasta, and some ground beef in the fridge that I was planning to save for the weekend. But desperate times call for creative measures, so I pulled out all the ingredients I had on hand and decided to make an impromptu Spaghetti Bolognese. My kids were in the mood for something comforting, and nothing says comfort like a hearty bowl of pasta, right?
How to Make Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese
I started by finely chopping an onion while heating up some olive oil in a pan. As the onion sizzled and softened, the aroma filled the kitchen, instantly calming me down. I added the ground beef, letting it brown and release its savory juices. With each step, I could feel the stress of the day melting away, replaced by the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.
What I love about this recipe is how simple yet rich it is. The crushed tomatoes and tomato paste bring a robust flavor, while the dried oregano adds that classic Italian touch. By the time I tossed the spaghetti in the simmering sauce, my kitchen felt like a cozy Italian trattoria. When I served it up with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano and fresh parsley, I knew I had struck gold.
My kids devoured it, and even my husband, who can be a bit of a pasta critic, gave it two thumbs up. Since that hectic evening, this Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese has become a staple in our household—a go-to recipe that I know will always deliver on flavor, no matter how short on time I am. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile, and that’s why I’m so excited to share it with you.
Chef’s Notes – Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese
- Use fresh herbs if possible: While dried oregano works well, using fresh oregano or basil can elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Don’t rush the sauce: If you have time, let the sauce simmer for longer than 15 minutes. The flavors deepen the longer it cooks.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy water is a great way to adjust the consistency of your sauce, making it cling better to the pasta.
- Cook pasta al dente: Undercook your pasta slightly if you plan to toss it in the sauce, so it absorbs the sauce’s flavor without becoming mushy.
- Add a splash of wine: A bit of red wine can add depth to the sauce—just cook it down before adding the tomatoes.
- Serve this Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese with Best Peach Raspberry Sparkling Iced Tea or this Blueberry-Pomegranate Sangria & Brie Filo Cups
Quick Spaghetti Bolognese
4
plates15
minutes15
minutes600
kcal30
minutesDive into the flavors of Italy with this Quick Spaghetti Bolognese recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings the classic taste of Bolognese to your table in just 30 minutes. With a rich, meaty sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Channel your inner chef and whip up this delicious, hearty meal tonight!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion finely diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon dried Italian oregano
28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
A generous handful of fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
1/2 pound spaghetti noodles
Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Directions
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it turns lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the lean ground beef to the pan and cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8 minutes.
- Mix in the dried Italian oregano and tomato paste with the cooked meat. Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and add the chopped fresh parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until just shy of al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the Bolognese sauce over medium heat along with about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Gently toss for approximately 2 minutes until the pasta reaches your desired doneness and is well coated with sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve the spaghetti topped with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 600kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 900mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 20IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 25mg
Blueberry-Pomegranate Sangria & Brie Filo Cups
Cooks in 260 minutesDifficulty: EasyWelcome your guests with a burst of flavor and elegance! This Sparkling Blueberry-Pomegranate Sangria paired with Brie Filo Cups is the perfect start to any dinner party. The sangria is light and fruity, ensuring your guests are refreshed and ready for the evening. The filo cups, filled with whipped brie, pomegranate molasses, pistachios, and pomegranate arils, are not only delicious but also visually stunning. These easy-to-make appetizers will leave your guests impressed and eager for more!
Peach Raspberry Sparkling Iced Tea
Cooks in 10 minutesDifficulty: EasyDive into the refreshing world of Peach Raspberry Sparkling Iced Tea! This delightful beverage combines the natural sweetness of peaches and raspberries with a fizzy twist, all without any added sugar. Perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing afternoon, this drink is both delicious and guilt-free. The zero-calorie peach syrup adds a burst of flavor, making it a must-try for any iced tea lover. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors that will make you forget it’s sugar-free!
FAQs – Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese
Can I make this Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the pasta and sauce together in a pan over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it heats.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 4-5 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped. You might need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to achieve the same thickness.
