Description
A classic Italian Bucatini Bolognese recipe featuring hearty ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked bucatini pasta. This comforting and flavorful dish is easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb / 450 g bucatini pasta
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb / 450 g ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 42 oz / 1200 g crushed tomatoes with tomato puree (1 and 1/2 cans)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Brown meat: Add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large, heavy pan. Cook over high heat until the beef is browned and no pink is showing, about 5 to 8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break apart any clumps of meat as you go.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper into the pan. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid (optional to avoid splashes) and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure flavors meld.
- Cook bucatini: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the bucatini pasta along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bucatini to the Bolognese sauce in the pan and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta with the rich sauce.
- Serve: Portion the bucatini Bolognese onto plates or bowls. For garnish, sprinkle generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a few cracks of black pepper. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when adding the sauce ingredients.
- Use fresh basil or parsley for garnish to enhance freshness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine if bucatini is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
