This Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce is a simple, shortcut version of the classic comfort food!

Total Time: 40 minutes

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This Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce is a simple, shortcut version of the classic comfort food! It’s a freezer-friendly, family-friendly, and nourishing dinner option that the entire family can agree on.

There’s not a single dish that is more popular in my house! This is the BEST Bolognese sauce recipe that you will ever taste, and it makes life SO much easier!

With three young boys and a husband to feed each night, it can be challenging to find meals that appeal to the entire family. What one person loves, the other does not. It’s just the reality, and it’s something that I deal with on a daily basis. Feeding a family is all about compromise, so I do my best to keep everyone happy by serving a variety of dinners each week.

However, with this Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce, nobody has to compromise! The cozy, hearty, and healthy meal makes every single one of my boys happy…which makes me happy!

While a classic Bolognese Sauce might require hours of time simmering on the stovetop, I’ve created a quicker, easier option that suits our busy lives. At this time of year, with the holiday excitement surrounding us, I know that you will appreciate a shortcut version of the classic favorite too!

What is the difference between Bolognese sauce and spaghetti sauce?

First, let’s start with the basics. Bolognese sauce is a meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy (hence the name). Authentic Bolognese sauce is a slow cooking sauce that typically includes ingredients such as onion, celery and carrot, different types of beef (sometimes with pork such as bacon), wine, milk or cream, and a small amount of tomato paste or tomatoes. The dish is then simmered over low heat for a long time, which ultimately results in a thick sauce.

While Bolognese sauce is built around the meat, a spaghetti sauce (or “marinara sauce”) is a simple, quick-cooking sauce based on the bright, acidic flavor of tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. You can find my favorite 20-minute spaghetti sauce here.

In this recipe, I’m giving you the best of both worlds: a meat-based Bolognese sauce that tastes like it simmered all day…but it’s done in just 40 minutes!

How do you make a Bolognese sauce?

This recipe starts by browning the ground beef with onion, carrots and celery in butter until the meat is no longer pink. Since you’re using extra lean beef, you don’t even need to drain the meat before stirring in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper. After the seasoning cooks for about 1 minute, add the wine and be sure to use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Those little brown pieces add so much flavor to the dish!

The tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper go in next, and once it comes to a boil, the sauce simmers on low for about 10 minutes.

While the sauce simmers and thickens, it’s the perfect time to boil your pasta!

Finally, at the very end of the cooking time, you can stir in the fresh basil, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s Bolognese perfection!

How to thicken Bolognese sauce:

If you find that your Bolognese sauce is thinner than you like, simply allow the pot to simmer over low heat (uncovered) until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can Bolognese sauce be frozen?

Yes! This is a great freezer-friendly option that you can prepare in advance and keep stashed in your freezer for hectic, last-minute meals. It makes a big batch, and the leftovers will come in very handy!

Can you use Bolognese sauce for lasagna?

Absolutely! This Bolognese sauce is the perfect ingredient for a classic lasagna dish. For one of our family’s favorite recipes, try using this easy Bolognese sauce recipe in Chi-Chi’s Christmas Eve Lasagna!

Looking for more delicious Italian-inspired recipes? Try these favorites:

• 3-Ingredient Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
• 5-Ingredient Pasta Pomodoro Sauce
• Slow Cooker Turkey and Pesto Lasagna
• 20-Minute Baked Italian Shrimp

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to rate it and leave me a comment below! You can follow me on Facebook, on Instagram, on Pinterest, and on Twitter!

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Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce

This Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce is a simple, shortcut version of the classic comfort food!

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword bolognese sauce recipe, easy bolognese sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 10 cups

Calories 103 kcal

Author Blair

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup finely diced onion
• 1/3 cup finely diced carrots
• 1/3 cup finely diced celery
• 1 lb. lean or extra-lean ground beef at least 93% lean
• 4 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for a bit of spicy kick
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes (I like San Marzano tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
• Spaghetti or other pasta of choice, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and beef. Crumble the beef with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Stir in the garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. Add red wine to the pot and stir, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and allow the sauce to simmer (uncovered) for about 10 minutes.
4. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
5. As the pasta is cooking, stir the basil leaves and cream into the sauce. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly. Keep it on very low heat and do not boil. Add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Serve sauce with pasta, and garnish with additional Parmesan and basil, as desired.

Recipe Notes

Note: You can freeze any leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

For a Light, Low-Carb Option: Serve the Bolognese Sauce over zucchini noodles!

Nutrition Facts

Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce

Amount Per Serving (1 /2 cup of sauce)

Calories 103 Calories from Fat 40

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 4.4g 7%

Saturated Fat 2.1g 11%

Cholesterol 10.5mg 4%

Sodium 402mg 17%

Total Carbohydrates 7.4g 2%

Dietary Fiber 1.8g 7%

Sugars 4.2g

Protein 7.4g 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.