Few meals bring everyone to the table quite like a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese. 

It’s a true family classic – comforting, hearty and packed with flavour. While there are plenty of ways to make a bolognese, we think the secret to a great one is surprisingly simple: start with our quality ingredients and give the sauce plenty of time to develop its flavour. 

Our quality beef mince is the perfect foundation. Add fresh vegetables, tomatoes, herbs and a little patience, and you’ll have a rich, delicious sauce that’s perfect served over spaghetti. 

Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal with the family, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. 

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese  

• Serves: 6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 1½–2 hours 

Ingredients 

• 1kg beef mince
• 1 large brown onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery sticks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 x 400g tins crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 500g spaghetti
• Fresh parmesan, to serve 
• Fresh basil or parsley, to serve 

Method  

1. Start with the vegetables.
   Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. 

2. Add the garlic and mince.
   Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Increase the heat slightly, add the beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
   Don’t rush this step – allowing the mince to properly brown adds plenty of flavour to the finished sauce.  

3. Build the sauce.
   Stir through the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. If using red wine, pour it in now and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, oregano, basil and bay leaves. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.  

4. Let it simmer.
   Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover and allow it to cook for at least 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
   If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or extra stock.  

5. Cook the spaghetti.
   When you’re ready to serve, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the packet instructions. Cook until al dente, then drain.  

6. Bring it all together.
   Remove the bay leaves from the bolognese and taste for seasoning. You can either spoon the sauce over the spaghetti or toss the pasta through the sauce for a restaurant-style finish. 

7. Serve.
   Finish with plenty of freshly grated parmesan and a scattering of fresh basil or parsley. Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread on the side.  

The Mornington Prime Cuts Tip 

The mince is the star of a good bolognese, so using Mornington prime Cuts beef mince really does make a difference. 

For an extra-rich sauce, try making your bolognese earlier in the day and letting it cool before gently reheating it for dinner. Like many slow-cooked dishes, the flavours have even more time to come together. 

And if you have leftovers, even better! Bolognese is perfect for the next day’s lunch, or use the sauce to make a delicious lasagne. 

A Classic Worth Sharing  

There’s a reason spaghetti bolognese has remained a family favourite for generations. It’s simple, satisfying and made for sharing. 

A generous bowl of pasta, a rich homemade sauce and a little parmesan on top – sometimes the classics really are the best.  

Looking for quality mince for your next bolognese? Come and see the team at Mornington Prime Cuts. We’re proud to provide quality meat and friendly, old-fashioned butcher service to families around Mornington.