This incredible beef bolognese pasta recipe isn’t just dinner; it’s a supremely satisfying experience. Imagine twirls of perfectly cooked spaghetti enveloped in a luscious, creamy garlic butter sauce, all generously topped with a rich, slow-simmered, hearty beef bolognese.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and sigh with pure contentment. Forget your average weeknight pasta; this is a luxurious, deeply flavorful journey.
Ready to create some magic?
Ingredients for Your Dreamy Beef Bolognese Pasta
For the Hearty Beef Bolognese:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 recommended for flavour)
- 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 Carrots, finely chopped
- 2 Celery Stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes (good quality, like San Marzano)
- 1 (6 oz) can Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Splash of Whole Milk or Heavy Cream (optional, for richness)
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti:
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 4-5 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Timing: Quick Comfort vs. Deep Indulgence
Fast & Indulgent (Approx. 1 hour): You can whip up a delicious version of this beef bolognese pasta sauce in about an hour. Brown the meat, sauté the veggies, add liquids, and let it simmer briskly while the pasta cooks. It’ll still be fantastic!
Slow & Luxurious (2-3 hours+): For truly deep, melt-in-your-mouth flavour, let that bolognese simmer low and slow for at least 2-3 hours. The flavours meld beautifully, creating an incomparably rich and tender sauce. This is the weekend project version, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Step-by-Step to Creamy, Meaty Perfection
Prepare the Hearty Beef Bolognese Sauce
Soffritto Sizzle: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (the “soffritto”). Cook until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the Beef: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, draining excess fat if desired. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Simmering Magic: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Low and Slow (or Faster!): Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer. For the luxurious version, simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. For the faster version, simmer for at least 30-45 minutes. Add a splash of broth if it gets too thick.
Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the splash of milk or cream if using (this adds a lovely richness). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep warm. This step creates that utterly crave-worthy bolognese experience.
Create the Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Cook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in generously salted water until al dente (slightly firm bite). Crucially, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Garlic Butter Bliss: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the 4-5 cloves of sliced or minced garlic and cook gently until softened and fragrant, but not browned (about 2-3 minutes). Watch it carefully!
Get Creamy: Whisk the heavy cream into the garlic butter. Let it warm through gently for a minute.
Combine and Coat: Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic butter cream sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together vigorously, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water a little at a time, until the sauce emulsifies and clings beautifully to every strand, creating a glossy, dripping coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble Your Masterpiece
- Serve it Up: Divide the creamy garlic butter spaghetti among bowls.
- Top it Off: Ladle a generous amount of the hearty beef bolognese sauce over the pasta.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and watch it disappear! This rich beef bolognese pasta is pure comfort.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
A generous serving of this creamy garlic butter spaghetti with beef bolognese can range from 700-900 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients (like the fat content of the beef and amount of cream/butter).
Remember, this is truly an indulgent dish. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Think of it as a well-deserved treat rather than an everyday meal. Balance is key!
Healthier Alternatives & Swaps
Want to lighten up this decadent beef bolognese pasta?
- Leaner Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner).
- Veggie Power: Bulk up the sauce with more finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular spaghetti for whole wheat pasta for added fibre.
- Dairy Watch: Reduce the butter and cream in the pasta sauce, relying more on starchy pasta water for creaminess. You can skip the cream in the bolognese entirely.
- Cheese Control: Use Parmesan sparingly, focusing on its sharp flavour rather than quantity.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This creamy, hearty beef bolognese pasta is practically a meal in itself, but here are some ideas:
- Classic Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
- Fresh Contrast: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Holiday Treat: This dish feels special enough for a festive gathering or a cozy holiday treat on a cold evening. It’s comfort food elevated.
- Beyond the Sweet Tooth: While not a dessert, this profoundly satisfying dish hits those deep comfort cravings that sometimes even a sweet tooth can’t satisfy. It’s an easy dessert-level comfort experience in a savory bowl.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Pasta: Mushy pasta is a tragedy! Cook until al dente. It will cook slightly more when tossed with the sauce.
- Under-Simmering Sauce: Don’t rush the bolognese if you want deep flavour. Give it time to develop.
- Not Salting Pasta Water: Properly salted water seasons the pasta from the inside out. Be generous!
- Forgetting Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is GOLD for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce without just adding fat. Don’t dump it all!
- Burning Garlic: Cook the garlic for the butter sauce gently over low heat to avoid bitterness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover spaghetti and bolognese sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. The combined dish can get a bit less creamy upon reheating.
- Freezing (Sauce): The beef bolognese sauce freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Freezing (Assembled): You can freeze the assembled dish, but the pasta texture might suffer slightly upon reheating. It’s best to freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave. Reheat the pasta separately (a quick dip in simmering water works) or gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Combine before serving.
Ready to Make the Best Beef Bolognese Pasta Ever?
Seriously, what are you waiting for? This Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Bolognese is calling your name.
It’s rich, it’s comforting, it’s deeply satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients and get ready to experience pasta perfection. You deserve this level of deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground substitute would work. Adjust cooking time and seasoning as needed. A mix (like beef and pork) is also delicious.
Can I make the beef bolognese sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually tastes even better the next day. Make it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze the assembled pasta dish?
While you can, the texture of the pasta might not be ideal after thawing and reheating. It’s best to freeze the bolognese sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Is this recipe adaptable for gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and follow the package instructions. Remember to reserve the pasta water, as it’s still key for the sauce.
