Print

Quick Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Easy 15 Minute Homemade Dinner

quick spaghetti bolognese - featured image
Print Recipe

A fast and flavorful spaghetti bolognese recipe perfect for busy weeknights, made with simple ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin if available)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow onion recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
  • Salted water for boiling pasta
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil (about 5 minutes). Add 8 oz (225g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
  3. Add 1 pound (450g) ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into small crumbles and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a bit for flavor.
  4. Pour in 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth or water. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss together for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
  7. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

Brown the meat properly by letting it sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring to develop flavor. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to noodles. Simmer sauce gently to meld flavors. For vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based mince. For gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti. Add chili flakes for a spicy twist. If sauce is too acidic, add a splash of cream or more sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick spaghetti bolognese, easy dinner, 15 minute recipe, weeknight meal, ground beef pasta, simple spaghetti sauce

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/quick-spaghetti-bolognese-recipe-easy-15-minute-homemade-dinner/