Smith's Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Italian dish featuring tender spaghetti coated in a rich tomato-beef sauce simmered with aromatic herbs and a hint of Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 65 minutes pairs spaghetti, ground beef, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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.

★ 3.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and tender.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking into small crumbles with a spoon, for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  5. Step 5: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp dried basil. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of 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.
  7. Step 7: Toss drained spaghetti into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce clings to the noodles. Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Classic Spaghetti Bolognese take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Smith's Classic Spaghetti 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Classic Spaghetti 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 Smith's Classic Spaghetti 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 Smith's Classic Spaghetti 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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