Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

Few dishes evoke as much comfort and satisfaction as a plate of pasta, especially when it’s smothered in a rich, meaty sauce and paired with creamy, buttery noodles. Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti takes two beloved pasta preparations and combines them into one decadent meal. The slow-simmered Bolognese sauce, made with tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of wine, delivers robust flavor. Paired with spaghetti coated in a velvety garlic butter sauce, this dish is a harmonious fusion of Italian culinary tradition and indulgent, creamy pasta perfection.

This recipe is perfect for special occasions, cozy family dinners, or when you simply crave a restaurant-quality meal at home. Its layers of flavor and richness make it a showstopper on the table, while the approachable techniques and ingredients ensure it’s doable for cooks of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Rich and Comforting: The Bolognese sauce is hearty and satisfying, while the creamy garlic butter spaghetti adds a luxurious twist.
  2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The meatiness of the sauce is balanced by the smooth, garlicky pasta.
  3. Restaurant-Quality: This dish looks and tastes gourmet but is simple enough for home cooking.
  4. Customizable: Swap ingredients or adjust flavors to suit your preferences.
  5. Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for dinner parties or family gatherings, as everyone will rave about it.

Preparation Time and Yield

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 2 hours (including sauce simmering time)
  • Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Serving size: 1 plate of pasta with sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 630 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 7 g

Ingredients

For the Beef Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork or Italian sausage
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional, or substitute with beef broth)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Beef Bolognese Sauce

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the red wine (or beef broth) and simmer for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let the sauce simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich in flavor.
  6. Finish with Milk or Cream: Stir in the milk or heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

  1. Plate the Pasta: Divide the creamy garlic butter spaghetti among serving plates or bowls.
  2. Top with Bolognese Sauce: Ladle the rich beef Bolognese sauce generously over the spaghetti.
  3. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

  1. Ground Beef and Pork: The blend of meats adds depth and richness to the sauce. Ground sausage can also be used for added flavor.
  2. Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a robust tomato base with a smooth consistency for the Bolognese.
  3. Red Wine: Enhances the sauce’s complexity but can be substituted with beef broth for an alcohol-free version.
  4. Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and enhances the creamy sauce’s flavor.
  5. Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious garlic butter sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.

Technique Tips

  • Sauté Vegetables Thoroughly: Cooking the onion, carrots, and celery slowly allows their natural sweetness to develop, enhancing the sauce.
  • Simmer Low and Slow: The Bolognese sauce improves with time, so don’t rush the simmering process.
  • Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Aim for al dente texture to ensure the pasta holds its shape when tossed with the sauce.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: For maximum flavor, mince fresh garlic for the butter sauce.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a cohesive dish.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

  1. Layered Pasta Bake: Combine the garlic butter spaghetti and Bolognese sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
  2. Zoodle Option: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.
  3. Stuffed Pasta Shells: Use the Bolognese sauce to stuff jumbo pasta shells, topping with garlic butter sauce.
  4. Pasta Bowls: Serve the spaghetti and Bolognese separately in bowls for guests to mix at the table.
  5. Family-Style Platter: Arrange the spaghetti and sauce on a large platter for a dramatic presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

  • Season Gradually: Adjust seasoning at multiple stages to ensure the perfect flavor balance.
  • Make Ahead: The Bolognese sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
  • Double the Recipe: Bolognese sauce freezes beautifully, so make extra for quick weeknight meals.
  • Don’t Skimp on Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

  1. Turkey Bolognese: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
  2. Vegetarian Bolognese: Replace meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
  3. Cream-Free Garlic Butter Spaghetti: Use olive oil and a splash of pasta water instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
  4. Spicy Bolognese: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  5. Pesto-Infused Pasta: Mix a spoonful of pesto into the garlic butter sauce for an herby twist.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store Bolognese sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The spaghetti is best eaten fresh but can be stored for 2-3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the Bolognese sauce in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Healthier Twist Ideas

  1. Whole-Grain Pasta: Use whole-grain or chickpea spaghetti for added fiber.
  2. Lean Meat: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
  3. Lower Dairy Content: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the garlic butter sauce.
  4. More Veggies: Add diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the Bolognese for extra nutrition.
  5. Less Oil: Reduce the butter and replace it with olive oil in the spaghetti sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Events

  • Romantic Dinner: Serve with a bottle of red wine and a simple salad for a cozy date night.
  • Family Feast: Pair with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
  • Dinner Party: Offer as a main course with antipasto appetizers and tiramisu for dessert.
  • Potluck Favorite: Bring the Bolognese sauce in a slow cooker to keep warm for guests.
  • Festive Gatherings: Present on a large platter garnished with fresh basil for a celebratory meal.

Special Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven: Ideal for simmering the Bolognese sauce.
  • Skillet: For preparing the garlic butter sauce.
  • Tongs: Useful for tossing the spaghetti with the sauce.
  • Microplane Grater: For finely grating Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I skip the red wine in the sauce?
    Yes, substitute with beef broth or an equal amount of water.
  2. How do I prevent the spaghetti from clumping?
    Stir the pasta during cooking and toss immediately with the sauce.
  3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
    Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  4. What’s the best pasta for Bolognese?
    While spaghetti is delicious, pappardelle or tagliatelle also work well with the hearty sauce.
  5. Can I freeze the garlic butter spaghetti?
    It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the Bolognese sauce separately.
  6. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
    Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes.
  7. How do I thicken the Bolognese sauce?
    Simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
  8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Yes, substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based ground meat.

Conclusion

Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti combines hearty tradition with indulgent innovation, creating a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet. With its rich, slow-cooked sauce and velvety, garlicky pasta, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to celebratory meals. Follow this guide to create a masterpiece that’s guaranteed to please your taste buds and impress your guests. Grab your apron and let the cooking adventure begin!

Print
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Beef Bolognese with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork or Italian sausage
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional, or substitute with beef broth)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Beef Bolognese Sauce

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the red wine (or beef broth) and simmer for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let the sauce simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich in flavor.
  6. Finish with Milk or Cream: Stir in the milk or heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

  1. Plate the Pasta: Divide the creamy garlic butter spaghetti among serving plates or bowls.
  2. Top with Bolognese Sauce: Ladle the rich beef Bolognese sauce generously over the spaghetti.
  3. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours (including sauce simmering time)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate of pasta with sauce
  • Calories: 630
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 28g

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