Brennan’s Spaghetti Bolognese

If you’ve ever met my husband, Brennan, you know that he will try anything! He doesn't shy away from unfamiliar foods and flavours. When it comes to cooking, he is a bit of a one-trick pony. There’s only one dish he’s totally confident making: Spaghetti Bolognese.

Over time, after many attempts and a fair amount of practice, he’s perfected his recipe. It’s the one dish that he can whip up from start to finish with no hesitation and trust me, it’s delicious!

Spaghetti bolognese might seem like a simple dish, but it’s all about the balance of flavors in that rich, simmered sauce. For Brennan, this meal isn’t just about feeding himself—it’s about savouring the process and feeling confident in his cooking. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, it’s the perfect dish to learn to cook with confidence.

But while spaghetti bolognese has claimed the title of Brennan’s “one-and-only,” we’ve been brainstorming other dishes he might want to add to his repertoire. In the spirit of exploring and growing his cooking skills, here are a few other recipes that Brennan (and anyone looking to level up their kitchen game) could try next!

1. Lasagna: Since Brennan loves bolognese, lasagna might just be the next logical step. Layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, lasagna is a comforting classic that’s perfect for special occasions or family dinners.

2. Carbonara: This creamy pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper could be an easy and delicious transition from bolognese. It’s a quick cook but packed with flavour.

3. Chicken Parmesan: Another pasta-based dish, this one adds a crispy twist with breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. A simple recipe with lots of flavors!

4. Beef Stew: If he’s looking for something hearty and satisfying, a classic beef stew might be the next adventure. Slow-simmered beef, veggies, and broth make for a filling, cozy meal—perfect for fall or winter.

5. Homemade Pizza: After perfecting the pasta, making homemade pizza could be an exciting new venture! Brennan LOVES pizza and he could experiment with different toppings, sauces, and even making the dough from scratch. Plus, it’s fun!

Brennan’s journey with Spaghetti Bolognese is a reminder that cooking is all about finding joy in the process and confidence in your skills. While he is ready to try new foods and recipes, Spaghetti Bolognese will always be his go-to dish. It’s a comfort, a classic, and a dish that will forever hold a special place in his cooking heart.

If you’ve got a meal that you’ve perfected, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! And if you’re looking to try Brennan’s Spaghetti Bolognese recipe yourself, go ahead—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Brennan’s Spaghetti Bolognese

Yield: 6

Author: Brennan Cartier

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 1 Hour

This classic Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty, flavorful dish that is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With a rich tomato and meat sauce simmered with vegetables, herbs, and wine, this dish is sure to satisfy.

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Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but recommended)
• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (170g / 6 oz) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Spaghetti

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• Salt (for the pasta water)

To Serve

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

1. Heat olive oil: In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (and pork, if using) to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.

Add Wine & Tomatoes

1. Deglaze with wine: If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the liquid to reduce slightly.
2. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 1 hour for a deeper flavour. Stir occasionally and taste, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
4. Add cream or milk: About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the milk or heavy cream for a smooth, rich texture.

Cook the Spaghetti

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the spaghetti: Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest of the water from the spaghetti.

Serve

1. Combine the sauce and pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the Bolognese sauce (or serve the sauce over the pasta). Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
2. Garnish and serve: Serve the Bolognese with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Tips & Variations:

• Meat Options: You can use a mix of beef, pork, and even ground turkey or chicken. Some recipes even include pancetta or bacon for an extra layer of flavour.
• Vegetable Additions: If you like, you can add a bit of zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and flavour.
• Slow-Cook for Deeper Flavour: If you have time, simmer the sauce for longer (up to 2 hours). The longer it cooks, the more developed the flavours will be.
• Freezing: This Bolognese sauce freezes well. You can make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal. Just be sure to let it cool before storing it in an airtight container.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is traditionally served with spaghetti, but you can serve it with other pasta shapes like pappardelle, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

672

Fat

31 g

Sat. Fat

13 g

Carbs

67 g

Fiber

6 g

Net carbs

61 g

Sugar

12 g

Protein

28 g

Sodium

408 mg

Cholesterol

86 mg

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