Spaghetti Bolognese recipe

If you want to make a vegetarian Bolognese you can swap the beef mince in this recipe for Quorn, vegetables, or make a lentil Bolognese instead. Quorn doesn’t take as long to cook and you often add at the end of making the Bolognese sauce but read the packet instructions carefully when cooking.

If you want to make your spaghetti Bolognese healthier, swap the beef mince for a lower-fat option like turkey mince. Turkey mince is much leaner meat which means it's lower in fat and calories than beef, lamb, and pork.

Many people serve their spaghetti Bolognese with a generous helping of Parmesan cheese. If you don’t have Parmesan in the fridge, or you need a vegetarian alternative, you could opt for cheddar or mozzarella instead. 

While we think the spaghetti Bolognese is satisfying enough on its own. You can serve with a leafy green salad on the side or some steamed or roasted vegetables. 

If you’ve run out of spaghetti or the kids aren’t a fan, you could swap for a different pasta shape. Homemade tagliatelle, penne, spirals, or bows would work just as well. 

Food writer Jessica Ransom says: 'One of my favourite pasta shapes to serve with Bolognese sauce is bucatini. It looks like spaghetti but is a little thick and has a small hole running through the centre. This makes it fun when you're slurping up the pasta and sauce!'

You can use the Bolognese as a delicious jacket potato filling. Alternatively, you can also serve it with gnocchi, rice, or couscous.

Food writer Jessica Ransom says: ‘I like making an indulgent toastie with leftover Bolognese. Reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the hob until hot. Slather over a slice of bread and sprinkle generously with cheese. If I’m going all out I’ll use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. Top with another slice of bread and cook in a toastie-making or a frying pan with a little oil in.’

Using a quality stock will make a massive difference when it comes to making a flavoursome Bolognese sauce. Make a big batch of stock and then freeze in small portions so you have it to hand for recipes like this. Adding a splash of wine can also give a rich, deep flavour. Ensure you simmer it for long enough to cook off the alcohol.

This recipe uses lean mince meat to keep the calories lower but using full fat mince will produce a more intense, meaty flavour. 

In our spaghetti Bolognese recipe, we soften the onion first. Then we add the mince meat followed by the garlic and the rest of the ingredients. 

Not only are carrots full of nutrients including vitamin C and A, they are an excellent source of fibre. They add a touch of colour to the Bolognese sauce and bring a little sweetness too. 

This complements the rich meaty flavours and sharpness from the tomatoes. If you’d like to add carrots to this recipe, peel and dice two large carrots and fry with the onion.