Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese (Classic Italian Sauce)

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.

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

Add finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion; sauté until tender, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add minced garlic and cook briefly, then add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Season with oregano, salt, and fresh basil; stir to combine.

Add chopped tomatoes and crushed tomatoes; stir well.

Add 1 cup of water to the tomato can to rinse it out, then pour it into the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.

Let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent burning.

After cooking, check the sauce's consistency; it should be thick and a deep red color.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt or a pinch of sugar if needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens