Classic Spaghetti Bolognese for a Crowd
This delicious Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is perfect for feeding a large gathering or a community event. Inspired by an old classic from the 1948 cookbook 'Recipes and Menus for Fifty' by Frances Lowe Smith, this hearty dish combines the richness of ground beef and aromatic vegetables with tangy tomato sauce, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal. Topped with grated Parmesan cheese, it's sure to please everyone at your table, making it a go-to recipe for family reunions, potlucks, or any occasion where friends and family gather.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salad Oil
2 cups (None)
Chopped Onions
2 cups (Chopped)
Chopped Green Peppers
2 cups (Chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Ground Beef
8 lbs (None)
Canned Tomatoes
6 quarts (None)
Tomato Paste
1 quart or 6 (6 ounce) cans (None)
Salt
3.5 tablespoons (None)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (None)
Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Thin Spaghetti
10 (8 ounce) packages (None)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
To taste (Freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the salad oil over low heat. Add the chopped onions, green peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2
Increase the heat to medium, and add the ground beef. Cook while stirring frequently until the meat is well browned and cooked through.
3
Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, sugar, and cayenne pepper to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined.
4
Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered over very low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
5
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse with hot water and drain thoroughly.
6
To serve, place a generous portion of spaghetti on each plate, top with approximately 3/4 cup of the meat sauce, and sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Classic Spaghetti Bolognese for a Crowd.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 8 lbs of ground beef for this recipe.
How long should the Bolognese sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered over very low heat for about 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe specifies using thin spaghetti.
How many packages of spaghetti are needed for this crowd?
You will need 10 packages (8 ounces each) of thin spaghetti.
What vegetables are included in the sauce base?
The sauce includes 2 cups of chopped onions and 2 cups of chopped green peppers.
Is garlic used in this Bolognese?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of oil is used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe uses 2 cups of salad oil.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the 1948 cookbook 'Recipes and Menus for Fifty' by Frances Lowe Smith.
How much tomato paste is needed?
You need 1 quart of tomato paste, which is equivalent to six 6-ounce cans.
How many canned tomatoes are used?
The recipe requires 6 quarts of canned tomatoes.
What are the primary seasonings for the meat sauce?
The seasonings used are salt, sugar, and cayenne pepper.
How much salt should be added?
The recipe calls for 3.5 tablespoons of salt.
Is sugar included in the sauce?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of sugar are added to balance the sauce.
Does the recipe have a spicy kick?
It includes 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a very subtle hint of heat.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The onions, green peppers, and garlic should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Should the sauce be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions state to allow the sauce to simmer uncovered.
What heat setting should be used to brown the beef?
The beef should be cooked over medium heat while stirring frequently.
How should the spaghetti be handled after boiling?
Once cooked, the spaghetti should be rinsed with hot water and drained thoroughly.
What is the suggested serving size for the meat sauce?
Each plate of spaghetti should be topped with approximately 3/4 cup of the meat sauce.
What topping is recommended for the final dish?
The recipe suggests sprinkling a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
What is the total count of ingredients for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What types of events is this recipe suitable for?
It is perfect for community events, family reunions, potlucks, and large gatherings.
At what heat level do you sauté the initial vegetables?
The vegetables are initially sautéed over low heat.
How much salad oil is needed in cups?
The recipe requires 2 cups of salad oil.
What is the preparation method for the onions?
The onions should be chopped before being added to the pan.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be minced.
Is this recipe considered part of Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used to taste.
When do you add the canned tomatoes and paste?
They are added after the ground beef has been well browned and cooked through.