Grave Beef Bolognese

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

A deeply savory pasta dish with slow-braised ground beef, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for complexity. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 135 minutes pairs ground beef, spaghetti, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1.5 lb ground beef, 1 diced onion, 2 grated carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 10 minutes until beef is browned and vegetables are softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup red wine and 2 cups tomato sauce. Stir well, then add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick and beef is tender.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook 12 oz spaghetti in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with Bolognese sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grave Beef Bolognese take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Grave Beef 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 Grave Beef 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 Grave Beef 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 Grave Beef 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.

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