SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE THAT IS RICH AND HEARTY, TASTES LIKE IT’S BEEN SIMMERING FOR HOURS BUT IS ON YOUR TABLE IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES!
This Spaghetti Bolongese is my easy weeknight version that skips the hours of simmering and delivers an Italian meat sauce with BIG, bold, complex flavors in super LITTLE time! This divine semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is a family favorite recipe I make more than ANY OTHER RECIPE! The recipe that always comes to the rescue when you don’t feel like cooking but want your food to taste like its been simmering for hours and BONUS, it freezes super well!
Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
I have a confession. As a food blogger, after I perfect a recipe to share, I hardly ever make it again. Instead, I am either experimenting and creating the next best recipe to share with you OR I’m too burnt out of cooking. Yes, it happens. As much as I crave the World’s Best Lasagna and Manicotti, I opt for much quicker meals like my Shrimp Fettuccine, to my One Pot Italian Orzo Pasta, Pad Thai, Lasagna Soup, and of course this Weeknight Spaghetti Bolognese!
I make this Spaghetti Bolognese more than any other recipe. period. Not only do I absolutely crave its hearty, rich, meaty sauce bursting with flavor but it is SO effortless and almost instant, I don’t dread whipping it up even when I don’t feel like cooking AKA the back pocket weeknight wonder.
This easy Spaghetti Bolognese is made with sauteed minced onion, garlic, carrots and celery, and jarred marinara. We add a small can of crushed tomatoes for volume and texture, a splash of balsamic vinegar and sugar to add dimension and plenty of dried herbs – basil, parsley, oregano and thyme to add loads of flavor and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to waken it up a bit. And with one bite, your taste buds will awaken and squeal with delight!
What is Spaghetti Bolognese?
Bolongese is named after the cooking style in Bologna, Italy. Bolognese Sauce is thick, and meaty, simmered with minced onions, carrots and celery and often enhanced with wine, milk or cream. So if you are looking for a tomatoey, liquidy sauce, more marinara style – this is not it.
Now, I’m not going to claim this is the best bolognese sauce recipe ever and its definitely not an authentic hard core bolognese sauce with pancetta that requires up to all day simmering, standing and stirring, BUT it tastes like it.
What is Bolognese sauce made of?
Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese traditionally starts with sauteing a sofrito of onions, celery and carrots along with minced or finely chopped beef and pork. Fresh tomato purée, white wine, chicken broth and milk or heavy cream are often added. The sauce is then simmered low and slow to create a hearty, thick sauce.
What is in Easy Spaghetti Bolognese?
This EASY Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce skips the pork, wine, etc. AND the long simmer – but you won’t even taste the difference!
The secret to the best EASY Spaghetti Bolognese? Chicken bouillon and quality jarred marinara sauce (like Barilla or Classico).
- Chicken Bouillon: The bouillon replaces the chicken broth which doesn’t have time to reduce in this quick and easy version and it infuses the sauce with intense flavor (replacing the salty pork), just as if it had been simmering and reducing all day.
- Jarred marinara sauce: Jarred marinara sauce, on the other hand, has been simmering all day – just not in your kitchen. A quality jarred sauce replaces much of the work (and time) for you by using quality vine-ripened tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
- I have found that when I have used just tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes alone to create my homemade sauce, it needs the hours of simmering to develop flavor and not just taste like acidic-y tomatoes, whereas, using jarred marinara in combination with other ingredients creates the full body taste and texture you expect from classic Spaghetti Bolognese.
- Crushed Tomatoes: In addition to the marinara, we add crushed tomatoes (often be called crushed tomatoes in puree) which add the fresh tomato puree texture and flavor. We balance the acidity with a little sugar. The amount of sugar will depend on the actual acidity of the tomatoes and personal preference.
- I recommend the brands San Marzano, Cento and Muir Glen. San Marzano tomatoes are usually sold “whole” so you will want to pour them into a bowl and crush them with your hands first.
- Garlic: Garlic is essential to flavorful Bolognese. Feel free to use more garlic depending on your garlic love. For extra lazy day Spaghetti Bolognese, you can substitute fresh garlic with 1 ½ teaspoons garlic, more or less to taste.
- Seasonings: Even though jarred Marinara Sauces comes seasoned, we diluted the flavor with the addition of crushed tomatoes. We want to pump up the overall flavor again with the addition of dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- I think the red pepper adds just the right kick to the Spaghetti Bolognese but you an omit it completely or add even more. If you aren’t sure how much red pepper to add, start with a pinch and add more to taste.
And that’s how this Weeknight Spaghetti Bolognese can be on your table in 30 minutes and taste THIS GOOD. For an uber quick and easy meal, you can freeze this Weeknight Spaghetti Bolognese sauce and it will still taste THIS GOOD.
How do I Make Spaghetti Bolgonese?
To make Spaghetti Bolognese, you first cook your meat, onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Add jarred marinara, crushed tomatoes and all seasonings.
You simmer all of this deliciousness for 10 minutes then stir in ¼ cup heavy cream and simmer an additional 5 minutes.
The addition of heavy cream is definitely optional and is found in more classic bolognese sauce recipes. It adds a creamy richness and rounds out the acidity, but you can certainly leave it if you don’t have it on hand (as I often don’t) or are trying to save calories and it will still taste delicious.
You can also omit the the celery and carrots if you don’t have them or are feeling extra lazy and this Weeknight Spaghetti Bolognese will still taste amazing. promise. Just be sure to garnish with extra Parmesan. It makes everything better.
Divine, comforting, rich and complex Weeknight Spaghetti Bolognese, on your table in under 30 minutes – come and get it!
WHAT SHOULD I SERVE WITH SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE?
Spaghetti Bolognese is fabulous just with a big green salad and garlic bread. We also love it with:
- Buttery Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
- Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
- Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Lemon, Butter
- Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Brown Butter
- Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Ranch
- Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette
- Winter Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
CAN I MAKE SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE IN ADVANCE?
Yes! Spaghetti Bolognese tastes even better the next day as the flavors further develop and meld so it is the ideal make ahead or meal prep dinner.
HOW DO I STORE SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE?
You will want to store your spaghetti separate from your bolognese sauce otherwise, the pasta will soak up moisture from the sauce.
To store, toss spaghetti with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Store in a freezer size plastic bag or airtight container.
Transfer Bolognese to an airtight container. Take care it is glass or ceramic as the sauce can stain plastic containers.
HOW LONG WILL SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
When stored properly, Spaghetti Bolgonese will last for up to 5 days.
CAN I FREEZE SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE?
The Bolognese Sauce freezes exceptionally well but I do not recommend freezing the pasta itself, as it will develop a funny texture when defrosted. To freeze the Bolognese sauce:
- Prepare Bolognese Sauce recipe according to instructions.
- Let sauce cool completely.
- Transfer sauce to freezer safe airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Squeeze out any excess air, seal and label.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, let Bolognese Sauce defrosts in the refrigerator overnight.
- Gently heat over the stove while you boil fresh spaghetti.
Looking for more easy Italian pasta recipes?
- Cheesy Tortellini Al Forno
- Chicken Parmesan with 5 Minute Marinara
- Million Dollar Baked Penne
- Baked Italian Meatballs (and Spaghetti)
- One Skillet Cheesy Meaty Penne
- Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Want to try this Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe?
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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com
30 Minute Weeknight Spaghetti Bolognese
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Ingredients
Bolognese Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped*
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped*
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1 24 oz. jar quality marinara sauce (recommend Raos brand)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
- 1/2-1 teaspoon sugar (to taste)
- 1 tsp EACH salt, dried oregano, dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes. (optional)
Add later:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Garnish
- fresh parsley
- LOTS of parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Toss drained spaghetti with a little olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking to each other.
- Heat 1 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add meat, onions, carrots and celery and cook until meat is browned.
- Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Drain off any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in all of the remaining “Bolognese Sauce” ingredients up to the heavy cream and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer gently uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add heavy cream and continue to simmer 5 minutes or until sauce reaches desired consistency. If you like a thinner sauce, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Serve Bolognese Sauce over spaghetti and garnish with plenty of Parmesan!
Notes
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Therese says
Hi Jen, I was excited to see this Spaghetti Bolognese sauce this morning especially because I just made your Tortellini Ragu Vegetable Al Forno a couple of days ago for our freezer party. Everyone LOVED the Tortellini Ragu!! So I KNOW this will be good!! Going to make it today and freeze for later. 9 out of the 11 recipes for the freezer party were your recipes. 🙂 Other recipes we made were, Sesame Chicken Egg Rolls, ( made the mixture and froze) Kung Pao Shrimp but used Chicken instead, Hawaiian Sloppy Joes, Honey lime Pepper Jack Cheese Enchiladas, Lightened up Buffalo Bacon Chicken Mac and Cheese, Creamy Butternut Squash, Roasted Green Beans with Cremini Bacon Mushroom Sauce ( we made the mushroom sauce ONLY and poured it over Salisbury Steaks!!! That Sauce is the Star of the dish!!! Ended with Your Brie Spinach Dip which we added Chicken and Penn pasta. Used 8 oz cream cheese in place of the Brie. The ladies LOVED LOVED LOVED everyone of these dishes!!!!!!!!! 🙂 Did I forget to say absolutely LOVED them!! 🙂 Thank you for all the hard work you put in to making great, tasty, easy meals the whole family enjoys. Your delicious food has been stepping stone in our busy lives to bringing us together for more family/quality time and new memories at the Kitchen table. 🙂
Jen says
Hi Therese! oh my goodness, you have made SO MANY of my recipes for freezer parties, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that! I also love hearing the creative twists – like serving the Cremini Bacon Mushroom Sauce over Salisbury steak and adding chicken and penne to the spinach dip – yum – you are giving me ideas 🙂 I am thrilled they have been such a hit! Above all, thank you super kind words – hearing my food is bringing your family together for more quality time is absolutely priceless. Thank you for making my recipes and for taking time to write and brighten my day Therese! All the best to you and yours and your freezer party pals!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Bolognese is my go-to when we are craving comfort food! This quick version sounds perfect for our busy weeknights. Pinned!
Jen says
one of my absolute favorite comfort foods too! I can’t stop craving it! I hope your family loves this version! Thanks Anna!
Allie says
Well, aren’t I just the ignorant one today…….what’s a “freezer party”……I can guess….just never heard of it…..
Anyhow, I’m gonna try the 30 Spaghetti tonight and double the recipe right off the bat…’cause I know you have great recipes,(again and again)….I can’t keep up with you…….I have such a backlog of your recipes to make….
Now I need to go back up and check out some of the recipes Therese mentioned above and what else I’ve missed…
Have a great day Jen!
Jen says
Hi Allie! Therese is the only reason I know about freezer parties – not sure exactly how they work but I’m pretty sure you get a bunch of friends together and make a few meals to freeze – sounds fun! But anyway, thank you so much for your kind words! I love hearing you are enjoying my recipes and know you can rely on them – that means the world to me! I am tempted to go down to posting 2 recipes a week so maybe it will give you time to catch up 🙂
Allie says
Hi Jen,
I can’t even wrap my head around how much work posting recipes must be. I suppose in time you can “get it down” to a bit of a routine, but still, must be a lot of work (of love).
Like I said, I have many of your recipes saved, but I was thinking yesterday, I should just refer to your site when I want to make “anything!!”
I made the Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce a couple of nights ago but added a “wee bit” too many little red pepper flakes to suit my husband’s taste…..my fault, I knew he’s sensitive. So to cut the heat, I added a can of rinsed Black Beans, and some frozen corn, mixed it in real well, then mixed in some cooked macaroni. and hoped for the best. Needless to say, it wasn’t served over spaghetti, but, thankfully, it was so very good. My Sweetie had seconds! Whew!
I’m only mentioning this error of mine to let you know how this variation turned out. Personally, I don’t like changing a recipe, especially the first time I try it out, but since I doubled the recipe, I had plenty of sauce to fix. I froze this in large portions for husband. He is a big, big eater and I can hardly keep up with his appetite.
Have a wonderful day.
Jen says
Hi Allie, yes its a lot of work but doesn’t feel like work because I do love every part of it so much 🙂 Sorry to hear you added too much red pepper flakes but I’m so glad you were able to save it with your ingenuity! The recipe you created out of it sounds delicious!
Allie says
Hi Again Jen,
I ran across another reference to “Freezer Party Meals”. Say you have 5 participating friends, each person would make 5 of the same recipe and freeze them individually then shares one meal with each of the other 4 friends. Everyone will have e 5 different meals in freezer. Interesting….
Jen says
I love that idea, could come in super handy! And would be a fun excuse to get together!
Melissa Howell says
O.K. You’ve convinced me! This does look incredible! And I don’t think a little cream ever hurt anybody 🙂
Jen says
So so true – heavy cream just makes everything better 🙂 I think your family will love this!
jules says
Hey! I just googled Weeknight Spaghetti Sauce today and your post popped up. I am making it right now! Thank you for the beautiful pics and what I am sure will be awesome sauce! 🙂
Jen says
That is awesome Jules, I’m so glad you stumbled upon this recipe! I hope you and your family loved it!
Catherine Cook says
This recipe saved me tonight! I had something else planned but my daughter woke up sick and I needed something fast and easy. It was so yummy! I’ve made many of your recipes now and they have all been huge hits with my family and with friends. Thank you!
Jen says
YES! I’m so glad this recipe came to the rescue tonight! Thank you also for your kind words. I love hearing your family is enjoying my recipes! I hope your daughter gets better quickly!
Sarah Young says
I love how easy and quick this recipe is. It has saved me many times! I usually come home really late so I love when I come by easy recipes. Thank you so much for it!
Jen says
That is just what I was hoping this recipe would do, yay! Thank you so much Sarah!
Layne says
Super flavorful! I finally whipped out my spiralizer I bought two years and haven’t used and made zucchini noodles to go with the sauce. Loved it!
Jen says
How fun to pair this with zoodles – yum! I think I finally might need to buy a spiralizer :)! So happy you enjoyed it!
Jen says
I have 3 kids who are picky about what their food looks and tastes like from a texture standpoint. I was worried that they wouldn’t eat this once they saw the diced carrot, celery and onion in the sauce. They didn’t even clue in to it. They ate it up. They all had seconds. I was amazed. Fantastic recipe. I think the cream makes it so delicious that they didn’t even care about the texture. Win-Win!!! We’re making it again after church!
Jen says
YAY for a family dinner win, thanks Jen! I’m so glad everyone loved it – and I agree – the cream!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Trudy says
Oh. My. Gosh. I am seriously lovin’ this bolognese sauce. Firstly, it’s fantastically quick and easy even for moi to put together. Secondly, it’s affordable. And thirdly…it’s sooo good that I’m going to have to whip up another batch tonight to go over the leftover noodles from last night! I think my family just ate straight sauce! But that’s okay. I think I’ll chop up some zucchini in the pot to increase the veggie consumption factor just a bit (like it needs any help what with the tomatoes, carrot, and celery) then scroll through additional recipes for even more dinnertime inspiration.
Jen says
YAY! what an awesome comment Trudy, thank you so so much! I am thrilled you love and your family this bolognese sauce as much as me – we are kind of obsessed 🙂 And the addition of zucchini sounds fantastic! I hope you find some more quick and easy dinners here! You might find my crockpot recipes or 30 minute meals in my recipe index helpful. Best!
Joan says
Being 71 years young, I have made many pots of Bolognese sauce. This is the best and has now replaced a tried and true that has been in my rotation for years. Thank you for sharing and I hope that you are feeling better. You have been on my prayer list for a long time.
Jen says
Hi Joan, sorry for the delay as I am way behind with the whole pneumonia bit, but I SO appreciate your prayers, that means the world to me – I know they make a difference! Thank you also for taking the time to comment, I am honored and flattered that this bolognese recipe is your new go to- the ultimate compliment! Thank you Joan! Blessings to you and yours as well!
Kimberly says
I have been wanting to try this recipe for a long time and I’m so glad I finally did! It was DELICIOUS! When I make a new recipe, I ask if it’s a make again and I got a very enthusiastic YES from the entire family! Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into your blog, it’s one of my favorites.
xoxoxoxo
Jen says
Thank you so so much Kimberly! I am honored my blog is one of your favorites and that this recipe made it into the “make again” category! wahoo!
Karen says
This was an easy and delicious recipe. I had 2 servings. My boyfriend love it too. I will definitely be making this again.
Jen says
I love hearing that, thanks so much Karen!
Karen Gildae says
I have been searching for a simple, quick bolognese sauce. I finally found it! My husband is very picky about sauce and he loved this! It’s just the two of us so it made a couple of meals for us! He’s already asked me to make it again! Winner Winner
Jen says
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Karen! I’m thrilled this Spaghetti Bolognese is a winner with both of you!
Kayla D says
This is so so good. I’ve used your site for a week straight now to make dinners and my picky husband loved each meal. Your fajita salmon is also a top favorite. Thank you for making my life easier !
Jen says
I LOVE hearing you’re both loving my recipes, thanks so much Kayla! I hope you continue to find new favorites!
John B says
Hi Jen,
I’m curious have you ever added coffee for more depth? I just read this was recommended by a store in England.
Thank you!
Jen says
Hi John, I personally have never tried it, but please let me know if you do!
Tmanderson says
My whole family loved thiS. So easy. This will be my go to spaghetti sauce from now on. Thank you for the great recipe.
Jen says
You’re so welcome! I’m so happy to hear it’s a new repeat favorite!
Judy says
My son asked for Bolognese (I didn’t even know he knew what it was!) so I am trying this recipe tonight. It’s snowing outside so I can’t run out for chicken bullion. If I use chicken broth instead, how much should I use? I’m assuming I’ll have to let it simmer and reduce longer which is fine since I’m home all day.
Jen says
Hi Judy, I would suggest this recipe instead and just skip the bouillon: https://carlsbadcravings.com/bolognese-sauce/ Enjoy!
Amanda says
This is delicious! My husband who is not a pasta fan , at his whole plate and then some. It will replace the other fast spaghetti sauce recipe I use .
Jen says
I love hearing that, thanks Amanda!
Lynn says
OMG, sooooooo good! Great way to sneak in veggies for the kids,too. I reduced the salt to 1/2 tsp., otherwise I followed the recipe as written. Once it has cooled, this sauce is going straight into the freezer for a future meal for company. Well done, again, Jen!
Jen says
Thanks so much for the awesome review Lynn, I’m so pleased you loved it!
Jessica says
I just made this with ground turkey, and my husband said he’s pretty sure it’s the best spaghetti he’s ever eaten. Then went on to ask if you’re single haha! So I take it he really likes it.
Thank you so much for another wonderful recipe to add to my binder. I can’t thank you enough for the past few years of me having such great meals to prepare for my family. Wanted to let you know I’m truly thankful for you as we near Thanksgiving!
Jen says
Thank you for taking the time to make my day Jessica! xoxox I am truly touched and honored to think my recipes have become part of your lives. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheryl says
Yummy! I didn’t add the cream at the end. I don’t think you need it. Throwing out my old recipe. I found the perfect, easy go to sauce. Thanks for sharing all your delicious recipes. They never disappoint!
Jen says
Thanks so much Cheryl, I’m honored this recipe has become your new go-to!
Lori says
This is our favorite sauce. With all of the ingredients, it tatstes like it was simmered all day. Delicious!
Jen says
Love that, thanks Lori!
Laura says
This recipe is absolutely delicious! I usually make my bolognese sauce from scratch which comes from a my Italian friend’s mom. This recipe is just as good if not better! I followed the recipe exactly and can’t wait to make it again. I would love to try it with ground turkey soon. The sauce has so much flavor that I think it will not make a big difference using turkey. Thank you for another amazing recipe!
Jen says
Thank you for taking the time to comment Laura, I’m thrilled this recipe is such a winner! I think turkey would be fabulous as well!
JJ says
Needed a quick bolognese recipe using jarred marinara sauce. This was just the ticket. I used my husbands famous tomato sauce instead of jarred. The herbs and spices including the balsamic really added to the flavor. Added half and half at the end to finish the sauce traditionally. Took me about 30 -40 minutes to make. So good will make this again for sure! Thank you for sharing the recipe with us.
Jen says
Thank you so much, JJ, I am delighted that this worked for you! I am so happy this recipe will be a repeat!
Sue Smith says
This was absolutely wonderful!!! My husband and I ate it three nights in a row! It actually got better each night. I added mushrooms and next time will decrease chicken bouillon to 1 1/2 tsp, a little strong for me. I will definitely make this again!!
Jen says
Hi Sue! I am so glad it was a continuous hit!!