Granny’s Superb Spaghetti Bolognese
This is the Spaghetti Bolognese I grew up eating, and was the first meal I learnt to cook. I’ve made one or two adjustments, but this is pretty much all my mum’s own recipe. You can add all sorts of things to a Bolognese, but I think that simple is best. I serve it up with the bay leaves still in and a pile of cheese on top. Let children discover the fun of twirling and slurping up their spaghetti – just keep a roll of kitchen towel handy for mopping up.
Perfect for Lasagne
I also use this Bolognese recipe when making a big old lasagne. I tend to make the Bolognese ahead of time, then pop it in the microwave for 5 minutes before assembling with the lasagne sheets and cheese sauce. Check out my recipe for Lasagne.
Granny’s Superb Spaghetti Bolognese
Course: MainCuisine: Italian8
servings5
minutes40
minutes45
minutesA classic staple of family dinners up and down the country. Add extra vegetables, wine, etc. if you like, but I think think it’s great as it is.
Ingredients (allergens in bold)
2 onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp for the spaghetti
1 kg minced beef
2 tins chopped tomatoes
4 tbsp tomato purée
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
4 dried bay leaves
salt and pepper
handful of mushrooms, sliced (optional)
spaghetti – allow roughly 100g per adult
grated Parmesan or Cheddar, to serve
Directions
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan or casserole over a medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Cook until softened, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.
- Add the minced beef to the onions and garlic. Break the meat up with the spoon, and stir frequently. Cook until there is no pink meat left.
- Add the chopped tomatoes. ¼ fill each empty tin with water, and pour into the pot. Add the tomato purée, oregano, basil, bay leaves and mushrooms if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to the boil, then lower the heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan or casserole of salted water to the boil.
Add the spaghetti, and cook for 10 minutes. Stir once or twice with a wooden spoon while cooking to prevent it sticking to the bottom of the pan. - Drain the spaghetti. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the spaghetti and shake the pan with the lid on. This will make serving the spaghetti much easier.
- Serve the spaghetti topped with the Bolognese and a generous helping of grated cheese.
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