Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti: Discover the rich, savory flavors of our Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti. This comforting dish combines tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a luscious tomato sauce served over silky garlic butter spaghetti. Perfect for a hearty dinner or a cozy night in.”
Ingredients:
For the Beef Bolognese:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 500g ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti:
- 300g spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Beef Bolognese:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned all over.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half.
- Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Season and Simmer: Add the oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Preparing the Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving:
- Plate the Dish: Divide the creamy garlic butter spaghetti between plates. Top with a generous ladle of the beef Bolognese sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti for a delightful meal that’s sure to please!
FAQs for Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the Bolognese sauce?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Keep in mind that different meats will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of red wine in the Bolognese?
A: If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth, vegetable broth, or even grape juice for a touch of sweetness. This will maintain the liquid content and flavor depth.
Q: How do I make the garlic butter sauce if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute for heavy cream. To thicken the sauce, you can mix in a small amount of cornstarch or flour slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during cooking.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, both the Bolognese sauce and garlic butter spaghetti can be prepared ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop and the spaghetti in the microwave or a skillet with a bit of butter.
Q: Is it possible to freeze the Bolognese sauce?
A: Absolutely! The Bolognese sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Ensure that the beef broth and other ingredients do not contain gluten.
Q: What type of Parmesan cheese works best for this recipe?
A: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated or shredded Parmesan can also be used, but it might not melt as smoothly.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the Bolognese sauce?
A: Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Dice them finely and sauté them along with the other vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Q: What can I serve alongside this dish?
A: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or a sparkling water with lemon also complements the flavors nicely.
Q: How can I make the spaghetti more flavorful?
A: To enhance the flavor of the spaghetti, you can cook it in salted water and add a bit of the pasta water to the garlic butter sauce. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adds an extra layer of flavor.
