Family-Style Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese
This Family-Style Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese is a quintessential crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a large gathering or meal prepping for the week. The dish features a rich and savory meat sauce made with tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a savory blend of tomatoes and seasonings, creating the ultimate comfort food. Best of all, this recipe allows for flexible preparation options; make the sauce in advance and let it simmer for two to three hours to develop deep flavors. On the day of your event, simply reheat the sauce while you cook the spaghetti. For those looking to freeze meals for busy nights, the sauce can easily be portioned and stored for later use, making it an ideal addition to any plan-ahead cook's repertoire.
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
6 lbs (browned)
Chopped onions
2 cups (fresh)
Minced garlic
16 cloves (fresh)
Tomato sauce
12 (29-ounce) cans (canned)
Tomato paste
4 (18-ounce) cans (canned)
Salt
1/4 cup (to taste)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (to balance acidity)
Dried basil
2 tablespoons (dried)
Dried oregano
2 tablespoons (dried)
Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons (dried)
Spaghetti noodles
13 lbs (cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3
Drain excess fat if necessary, then return the pot to low heat.
4
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7
Serve the hearty Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
8
For OAMC, allow the sauce to cool completely before dividing it into airtight containers and freezing for future meals.
Nutrition Information
2.5
Fat
6
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Family-Style Hearty Spaghetti Bolognese.
What type of meat is used in this Bolognese?
This recipe uses 6 lbs of ground beef.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 cups of fresh chopped onions.
How much garlic is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 cloves of minced garlic.
What tomato products are needed for the sauce?
You need 12 (29-ounce) cans of tomato sauce and 4 (18-ounce) cans of tomato paste.
Why is sugar added to the Bolognese sauce?
Sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What dried herbs and seasonings are used?
The seasonings include salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and Italian seasoning.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours to develop deep flavors.
How much spaghetti should I cook for this recipe?
The recipe suggests cooking 13 lbs of spaghetti noodles.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for meal prepping and feeding large gatherings.
Can I freeze the spaghetti sauce?
Yes, the sauce can be portioned and stored in airtight containers for future use.
What does OAMC stand for in the instructions?
OAMC stands for Once-A-Month Cooking, referring to the practice of preparing meals in bulk to freeze.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining excess fat after browning the beef if necessary.
At what heat should the beef be browned?
The ground beef should be browned over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onions and garlic for 5-7 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
What is the recommended cooking texture for the spaghetti?
The spaghetti should be cooked until it is al dente according to package instructions.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and simply reheat it when you are ready to serve.
What is a recommended garnish for this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a recommended garnish.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 50 calories per serving based on the provided nutritional data.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 2.5 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
What equipment is recommended for cooking the sauce?
A large stockpot or Dutch oven is recommended for preparation.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate comfort food.
What type of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
It belongs to Italian cuisine.
What size cans of tomato sauce should I buy?
You should buy 29-ounce cans.
How many cans of tomato paste are used?
The recipe uses 4 cans of 18-ounce tomato paste.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried basil and oregano, fresh can be used though quantities may need adjustment.
How often should I stir the sauce while it simmers?
You should stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
What should I do before freezing the sauce?
You must allow the sauce to cool completely before placing it in airtight containers for the freezer.