Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Salute Italian Restaurant›Classic Spaghetti Bolognese Or Meatball Recipe

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese Or Meatball Recipe

Inspired by Salute Italian Restaurant
Time1h
Serves4

Spaghetti pasta topped with our delicious homemade meat sauce or meatball

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Meat Sauce

Meatballs (optional)

Method

Pasta Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Spaghetti

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Meat Sauce Preparation

  1. 2

    Sauté the Vegetables

    In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

  2. 3

    Brown the Meat

    Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

  3. 4

    Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

    Stir in the crushed canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. If using, add the red wine. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. 5

    Finish the Sauce

    Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. If the sauce is too acidic, add a bit more sugar. Keep simmering until the sauce thickens.

Meatballs Preparation (optional)

  1. 6

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.

  2. 7

    Form the Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

  3. 8

    Cook the Meatballs

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.

Assembly

  1. 9

    Serve the Dish

    Place the cooked spaghetti on plates or in bowls. Top with the meat sauce or meatballs. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

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