Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese

 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

FOR THE BOLOGNESE SAUCE:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for extra richness)
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine (optional, sub with beef broth)
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup  heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Parmesan rind (optional, for umami)

FOR THE GARLIC BUTTER SPAGHETTI:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Grated Parmesan, for serving

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 Instructions

1. MAKE THE BOLOGNESE:

1. Sauté veggies – In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until soft (~5 min).
2. Brown the meat – Add ground beef, breaking it up. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Deglaze – Pour in red wine (or broth), scraping up browned bits. Let it reduce slightly.
4. Simmer – Add tomatoes, tomato paste, stock, herbs, bay leaf, salt & pepper. Stir well, then simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours (the longer, the better!).
5. Finish – Stir in cream (if using) and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf & Parmesan rind.

2. COOK THE SPAGHETTI:

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

3. GARLIC BUTTER TOSS:

1. In the same pot, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant (~1 min).
2. Add cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat. Splash with a little pasta water to emulsify.

4. SERVE:

• Plate spaghetti, top with generous Bolognese, and garnish with Parmesan & fresh parsley.

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 Pro Tips:

 Make ahead – Bolognese tastes even better the next day!

 Extra richness – Stir in a pat of butter into the sauce before serving.
 Vegetarian? Swap beef for lentils & mushrooms.