Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Crust
A hearty Italian meat sauce simmered with vegetables, served over al dente pasta with a golden Parmesan crust. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 70 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, onion (diced) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup carrots (grated)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp oregano (dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add ground beef and pork, breaking into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, then stir in garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Pour in tomato paste and marinara sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then toss with the sauce.
- Step 5: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle Parmesan on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Crust take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Crust?
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 Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Crust?
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 Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Crust 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 Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Crust?
Italian quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
