Change at the Top Bolognese
A rich, slow-simmered meat sauce crowned with fresh basil, embodying a dramatic yet harmonious finale. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 95 minutes pairs Ground beef, medium Onion, Carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion
- 1/2 cup Carrot
- 1/2 cup Celery
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) Crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Beef broth
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 12 oz Spaghetti
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, cook 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes, then drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot, 1/2 cup finely chopped celery, and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened, then add 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Simmer uncovered over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: While sauce simmers, cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 6: Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil and serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Change at the Top Bolognese take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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 Change at the Top Bolognese?
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 Change at the Top Bolognese?
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 Change at the Top Bolognese 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 Change at the Top Bolognese?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
