Red Wine Beef Bolognese Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (you can also use ground pork or a combination of both for added flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine (use a variety you enjoy drinking)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles (you can also use fettuccine or your preferred pasta)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce Base:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart and cook until it’s browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Tomato and Red Wine:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low to maintain a steady simmer.
   • Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure to salt the pasta water for added flavor.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can also toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if you’re not ready to serve immediately.
6. Final Adjustments:
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of water or more red wine to thin it out.
7. Serve:
   • Plate the cooked spaghetti noodles onto individual plates or a serving platter.
   • Spoon the red wine beef Bolognese sauce over the pasta.
   • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Red Wine Beef Bolognese Spaghetti!

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasoning according to your taste preferences. This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your liking. Enjoy your meal.