Irresistible Spaghetti Bolognese

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the **olive oil** in a large pan over medium heat. Add the **onion** and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the **garlic**, **grated carrot**, and **chopped celery** to the pan, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. These vegetables form the base of your Bolognese sauce, contributing to its natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

#### Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the **ground beef** (and pork if you’re using a mix) to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned. Make sure the meat is fully cooked and browned to develop rich flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pan.

#### Step 3: Add Wine and Tomatoes
Pour in the **red wine** (if using) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate. This step helps intensify the flavors and adds a touch of richness to the sauce. Then, add the **crushed tomatoes** (or passata) and **tomato paste**, stirring well to combine.

#### Step 4: Season and Simmer
Stir in the **oregano**, **basil**, and **bay leaf**. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce tastes too acidic from the tomatoes, add a pinch of **sugar** to balance the flavors. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, though the longer, the better. If you have the time, simmer the sauce for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop further. Stir occasionally, and add a bit of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

#### Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in **milk** or **heavy cream** during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will soften the acidity of the tomatoes and create a smoother texture.

#### Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While your Bolognese sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the **spaghetti** according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

#### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the sauce is ready and your spaghetti is cooked, serve the sauce over the pasta. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce to coat it thoroughly. Top with **freshly grated Parmesan cheese** and a sprinkle of **fresh basil** or **parsley** for a burst of color and flavor.

### Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bolognese

1. **Slow and Steady**: The key to a rich Bolognese sauce is slow cooking. Don’t rush it! Let the sauce simmer low and slow to allow the flavors to develop. If you have time, simmer for 1-2 hours.
2. **Mixing Meats**: A blend of beef and pork gives your Bolognese sauce extra flavor and richness, but you can use all beef if you prefer. Some variations even use lamb or veal.
3. **Customize the Sauce**: Feel free to customize your sauce by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
4. **Make It Ahead**: Bolognese sauce actually tastes better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat and serve with freshly cooked pasta.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This **Irresistible Spaghetti Bolognese** is everything you want in a classic Italian pasta dish—rich, hearty, and flavorful. The savory, slow-cooked meat sauce perfectly complements the tender spaghetti, creating a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal, this recipe brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen.

### Conclusion

Making homemade Spaghetti Bolognese from scratch doesn’t require any fancy techniques—just simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and the love of a good meal. The result is a rich, flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a comforting plate of Spaghetti Bolognese that will leave everyone asking for seconds!