Authentic Slow-Simmered Bolognese with House-Made Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A true Italian classic where slow-cooked meat sauce meets handmade pasta, embodying the essence of authentic Roman cuisine. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 110 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 720 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 85 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 720 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 large yellow onion, finely diced, and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz ground beef and 4 oz ground pork to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup red wine and simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half, then add 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover, cooking for 1 hour and 15 minutes until thickened and flavors melded.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the pot along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats each strand evenly and the consistency is creamy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Slow-Simmered Bolognese with House-Made Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (25 min prep + 85 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Slow-Simmered Bolognese with House-Made Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Simmered Bolognese with House-Made Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Slow-Simmered Bolognese with House-Made Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Slow-Simmered Bolognese with House-Made Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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