How to Make the PERFECT Spaghetti Bolognese | Curtis Stone

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in fat.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: beef broth

Grape juice provides sweetness without alcohol.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes add brightness, while crushed are often cheaper.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti, cover, and cook for approximately 15 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally with tongs to prevent sticking.

While pasta cooks, heat a large pan over high heat. Add ground beef and break it up using a chopper or wooden spoon. Brown the beef well, allowing fat to render (no oil needed).

Add finely chopped onions to the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until softening.

Add garlic, carrot, celery, and any other finely chopped vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Push ingredients to the sides of the pan, creating a space in the center. Add tomato paste to the center and let it 'roast' for about 1 minute to deepen flavor, then stir through the meat and vegetables.

Deglaze the pan by pouring in red wine. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated.

Add chopped mushrooms and cook until softened.

Pour in chicken stock and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.

Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

When pasta is al dente, drain it briefly (reserving a few drips of water) and transfer directly into the sauce pan.

Toss pasta and sauce together using tongs until well combined.

To plate, use tongs to lift and twist pasta into a neat pile in each bowl.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens