Best of the Best Bolognese Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, slow-cooked meat sauce paired with al dente pasta for a comforting Italian classic. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 100 minutes pairs ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 (9 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add 24 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup red wine, and 1 lb ground beef. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned, 8-10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: While the sauce cooks, boil 12 oz spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  5. Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and stir to combine. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to adjust consistency.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best of the Best Bolognese Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (30 min prep + 70 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 Best of the Best Bolognese 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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best of the Best Bolognese 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 Best of the Best Bolognese 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 Best of the Best Bolognese 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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