Kelly’s Spaghetti Bolognese: A Timeless Comfort Classic

There are some dishes that, with just a whiff of their aroma, transport you back to a specific moment, a comforting embrace, a simpler time. For me, Kelly’s Spaghetti Bolognese is precisely that kind of culinary magic. I remember rainy Sunday afternoons spent at my Aunt Carol’s house, the kitchen perpetually filled with the rich, savory scent of this very bolognese simmering on the stove. It was more than just a meal; it was an invitation to slow down, to connect, to feel utterly, deliciously at home. This recipe, passed down through our family with quiet affection, embodies that very essence of cherished tradition and uncomplicated joy.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (Standard)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 garlic clove, peeled and crushed (or more to taste)
• 7 1/4 ounces diced tomatoes
• 1 beef bouillon cube (Oxo if possible, is a delightful touch)
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (320g) jar Dolmio bolognese sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce
• Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Equipment Needed

• Large, heavy-based skillet or frying pan
• Medium saucepan for cooking spaghetti
• Slotted spoon or colander for draining spaghetti
• Serving plates
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. Begin by placing your large, heavy-based skillet over medium heat and adding the 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Once the oil is warm, introduce the finely chopped Spanish onion and the crushed garlic clove. Sauté these aromatics gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become beautifully softened and translucent. This step is crucial for building a foundational layer of flavor.
3. Increase the heat slightly to moderate. Add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, stirring and breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink. Ensure all the pink has disappeared, indicating it’s thoroughly cooked.
4. Now, take the beef bouillon cube and crumble it directly over the cooked beef. Continue stirring for about a minute, allowing the savory essence of the bouillon to meld with the beef.
5. Next, incorporate the 7 1/4 ounces of diced tomatoes, the (320g) jar of Dolmio bolognese sauce (or your chosen favorite spaghetti sauce), and the dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Stir everything together to combine all the ingredients.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, creating a rich, complex sauce.
7. While the bolognese is simmering, it’s time to prepare the pasta. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the packet instructions. Be sure to cook it to your desired level of doneness – al dente is usually preferred.
8. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it thoroughly.
9. To serve, portion the drained spaghetti onto individual plates. Ladle a generous amount of the simmering bolognese mixture over the top of the spaghetti.
10. Finish each plate with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before presenting it to your eagerly awaiting diners.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The beauty of Kelly’s Spaghetti Bolognese lies in its straightforward approach, but a few little touches can elevate it even further. When chopping the onion, aim for a fine dice; this ensures it melts into the sauce beautifully without leaving large, discernible pieces. If you’re not a fan of strong garlic, using just half a clove, as the recipe suggests, is perfect. However, for those who adore garlic’s punch, feel free to add a whole clove, or even two, finely minced for maximum impact. For an even richer sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine (about 1/4 cup) after browning the beef and letting it reduce before adding the tomatoes and sauce. If you enjoy a bit more texture in your bolognese, finely diced mushrooms are a wonderful addition; simply sauté them with the onions and garlic.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This classic spaghetti bolognese is best served piping hot, allowing the rich aroma to tantalize the senses before the first bite. The grated Parmesan cheese is not just a garnish; it adds a salty, nutty counterpoint that perfectly complements the savory sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the bolognese sauce and cooked spaghetti separately over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to revive its consistency. For longer storage, the bolognese sauce freezes exceptionally well. Simply cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	603.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	181 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	20.2 g	31%
Saturated Fat	7.2 g	35%
Cholesterol	77.2 mg	25%
Sodium	344.4 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	70.2 g	23%
Dietary Fiber	3.9 g	15%
Sugars	4.8 g	19%
Protein	33.1 g	66%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic version is undeniably delicious, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef, though you might need to add a little extra oil to compensate for the reduced fat. If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan rendition, lentils or chopped mushrooms can stand in for the meat. In this case, you would also need to swap the beef bouillon cube for a vegetable bouillon cube and ensure your chosen spaghetti sauce is also vegan-friendly. For those seeking a gluten-free meal, simply serve the bolognese sauce over gluten-free spaghetti or even zucchini noodles. The choice of spaghetti sauce offers another avenue for personalization; experiment with different brands or even try making your own from scratch for a truly unique flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the bolognese sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The flavors in this bolognese sauce actually improve when made a day in advance, allowing them to meld and deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What’s the best way to avoid mushy spaghetti?
A: Ensure you use plenty of salted boiling water and don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook the spaghetti until it’s just tender (al dente) and drain it immediately.

Q: My bolognese sauce seems a little thin, what can I do?
A: If the sauce is thinner than you prefer after simmering, you can uncover the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) can be stirred in and simmered for a minute until thickened.

Q: Is it important to use a Dolmio sauce, or can any spaghetti sauce work?
A: While Dolmio is specifically mentioned for its excellent quality, any good-quality spaghetti sauce you enjoy will work perfectly. The key is to use a sauce you love the flavor of.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
A: Certainly! Finely diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be sautéed along with the onions and garlic to add extra nutrients and depth of flavor to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Kelly’s Spaghetti Bolognese is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, a testament to the power of simple, honest ingredients coming together to create something truly comforting. It’s the kind of dish that fosters conversation, elicits happy sighs, and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. I encourage you to bring this timeless classic into your kitchen, to let its comforting aroma fill your home, and to create your own cherished memories around the dinner table. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback or perhaps even a delightful pairing suggestion – a crisp green salad or a glass of your favorite Italian red wine would be utterly perfect. Happy cooking!