Flavourful Spaghetti Bolognese with a Kick
Indulge in this budget-friendly spaghetti Bolognese that not only satisfies your hunger but also tantalizes your taste buds. Packed with rich flavors from ground beef and a delightful hint of chili, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare, it combines aromatic vegetables with a savory sauce for a comforting meal that will become a staple in your household. Serve it over al dente spaghetti for a delicious and memorable experience that both kids and adults will love.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
1/2 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Ground Beef
500 g (fresh or thawed)
Garlic Clove
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Celery Rib
1 (chopped very small)
Carrot
1 medium (grated)
Tomato Puree
1 tablespoon (for deepening flavors)
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Herbes de Provence
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Beef Bouillon Cube
1 (crushed)
Tomato and Chili Sauce
350 g (bottled)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant.
2
Add the ground beef to the pan, using a fork to break it up. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
3
Stir in the tomato and chili sauce, along with the tomato puree, dried oregano, herbes de Provence, and the crushed beef bouillon cube. Mix well.
4
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce starts to get too thick, add a splash of water to maintain the desired consistency.
5
Finally, stir in the grated carrot and continue to cook until the carrot is tender and the flavors have melded together, about 5 to 10 minutes.
6
Serve the Bolognese sauce over your choice of spaghetti or pasta. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavourful Spaghetti Bolognese with a Kick?
It is a budget-friendly and comforting pasta dish that features ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a savory sauce with a hint of chili for extra flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 5 people.
What type of meat is used in this Bolognese?
The recipe calls for 500 grams of fresh or thawed ground beef.
What gives the sauce its spicy kick?
The spice comes from the use of 350g of bottled tomato and chili sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer gently for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
When do I add the grated carrots?
Stir in the grated carrot after the initial 20-minute simmer and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until tender.
What vegetables are included in the base of the sauce?
The base includes finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, small-chopped celery, and grated carrot.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon each of dried oregano and herbes de Provence.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce gets too thick while simmering, you can add a splash of water to maintain your desired consistency.
Do I need to use a bouillon cube?
Yes, one crushed beef bouillon cube is added to the sauce to enhance the savory beef flavor.
How should the onion and garlic be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped and the garlic should be crushed before sautéing.
What is the role of the tomato puree?
One tablespoon of tomato puree is used to deepen the overall flavor of the Bolognese sauce.
What is the best way to brown the beef?
Add the ground beef to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic, using a fork to break it up until it is no longer pink.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed for simple preparation for family meals.
What kind of pasta should I serve this with?
It is traditionally served over al dente spaghetti, though any pasta of your choice will work.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe requires 1/2 tablespoon of oil.
Is there celery in this recipe?
Yes, one celery rib chopped very small is included in the ingredients.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, salt is listed as 'to taste' for individual seasoning preference.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a meal that both kids and adults will love, though you may want to adjust the chili sauce if they are sensitive to spice.
What cuisine category does this fall under?
This dish is categorized under European cuisine, specifically as a variation of the Italian-inspired Bolognese.
How should the carrot be prepared?
The carrot should be grated so that it melds easily into the sauce during the final cooking stage.
Can I use frozen ground beef?
The recipe specifies fresh or thawed ground beef for the best results.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat oil in a medium saucepan and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include spaghetti bolognese, pasta, easy recipe, family meal, chili, comfort food, and european cuisine.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of crushed garlic.
Is the tomato and chili sauce homemade?
No, the recipe suggests using 350g of bottled sauce.
What consistency should the spaghetti have?
The recipe recommends serving the sauce over al dente spaghetti.
Should the beef be broken up while cooking?
Yes, use a fork to break up the ground beef as it browns to ensure an even texture.
How do I know when the sauce is finished?
The sauce is ready when it has simmered for at least 20 minutes and the grated carrots added at the end are tender.