Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti is a flavorful and hearty twist on the classic Italian dish, offering a rich, savory sauce with a perfect balance of herbs, vegetables, and ground meat that will leave your taste buds satisfied, all while being easy to prepare and cook.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti

Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti is a variation of the classic Italian Bolognese sauce, where the sauce is made with a base of ground beef, pork, and a medley of fresh vegetables, including onions, carrots, and celery. The dish is a comforting, rich, and flavorful meat sauce served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti.

With a dash of red wine, tomato paste, and herbs, the sauce becomes a savory, deep-flavored masterpiece. Jamie’s version is known for being simple, using fresh ingredients, and delivering the kind of home-cooked, rustic taste that makes this dish a family favorite.

Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
• 1 onion: Finely chopped, providing a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• 2 carrots: Grated or finely chopped to add a natural sweetness and texture.
• 2 sticks of celery: Finely chopped, adding a slight crunch and aromatic depth.
• 2 cloves of garlic: Minced to bring out a rich savory flavor.
• 500g ground beef: The heart of the Bolognese sauce, providing richness and protein.
• 200g ground pork: Adding depth and a slightly different texture and flavor to the sauce.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: To thicken the sauce and concentrate the tomato flavor.
• 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes: For the acidic base of the sauce.
• 1 glass of red wine: For deglazing the pan and adding complexity to the flavor.
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary: For a fragrant, woodsy note.
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme: Complementing the rosemary with a subtle herby flavor.
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: To enhance the richness of the sauce.
• 500g spaghetti: A hearty pasta to hold the robust sauce.
• Freshly grated Parmesan: To serve, adding a salty and creamy element.
• Sea salt and black pepper: For seasoning.

Equipment Needed

• Large frying pan or sauté pan: For browning the meat and cooking the vegetables.
• Large saucepan: For simmering the sauce.
• Large pot: For boiling the spaghetti.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce and ensuring it doesn’t stick to the pan.
• Colander: For draining the cooked spaghetti.
• Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Knife and chopping board: For prepping the vegetables.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti?

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic finely. Grate the carrots for a smoother texture in the sauce. Set the vegetables aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until softened (about 8 minutes). Stir occasionally.
3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the pan. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned all over. Ensure the meat is well-cooked and slightly caramelized for extra flavor.
4. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for a further minute until fragrant. The tomato paste helps to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
5. Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the red wine and allow it to reduce for about 2 minutes, stirring to lift any sticky bits from the pan. This will add a richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
6. Simmer with Tomatoes and Herbs: Add the canned chopped tomatoes, fresh rosemary, thyme, and balsamic vinegar to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the herbs are submerged. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce gently simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it cook, the more the flavors will develop.
7. Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, saving a small cup of pasta water for later.
8. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce, adding a little pasta water if necessary to help the sauce coat the pasta. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips

• Simmering Time: The longer you let the Bolognese sauce simmer, the more depth and flavor it will develop. If you can, aim to cook it for 1.5-2 hours for a more robust taste.
• Herbs: You can switch up the herbs depending on your taste. Basil or oregano can also be added, but rosemary and thyme provide a fantastic, savory base.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with lentils or plant-based mince. The sauce will still be incredibly hearty and flavorful.
• Pasta Tips: Be sure to cook your pasta just a minute or two less than the package suggests. This will allow it to finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing the flavors.
• Freezing: This Bolognese sauce freezes really well. If you want to make it in advance, simply freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti is a fantastic, flavorful dish that combines simplicity with deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for a dinner party, this dish ticks all the boxes.

With its rich and savory sauce, fresh ingredients, and an easy step-by-step process, it’s a meal that can bring joy to both experienced cooks and beginners. The result is a plate of spaghetti that tastes as if it’s been simmering for hours in an Italian kitchen.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti

Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti is a classic, rich and comforting dish that you can easily adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. While his traditional recipe is delicious, you can experiment with various ingredients and twists to make it even more exciting or fit your dietary preferences. Below are some fun and easy variations to consider:

1. Vegetarian Or Vegan Bolognese

   • Instead of ground beef, you can use lentils or finely chopped mushrooms as a substitute for meat. Mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and texture, make a fantastic replacement. Combine with canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a mix of Italian herbs for a rich, savory base.
   • Use a plant-based pasta (like chickpea or quinoa pasta) to make it fully vegan-friendly. For creaminess, consider adding some plant-based milk or coconut cream.

2. Spicy Bolognese

   • If you’re a fan of heat, add some chili flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili (like a red bird’s eye chili) to the base. You can also experiment with different spicy condiments like harissa or Sriracha for an extra kick.
   • For a smoky flavor, consider adding a small spoonful of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

3. Low-Carb Bolognese

   • For a lighter, low-carb version, swap traditional spaghetti with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. These alternatives are delicious and lower in calories, and they pair beautifully with the rich, savory sauce.
   • You can also use cauliflower rice as a base to make this dish a keto-friendly option.

4. Meat Lovers’ Bolognese

   • If you want to take the richness to the next level, try adding pancetta or bacon to the mix for extra depth of flavor. Alternatively, you can blend in some sausage meat or veal to complement the ground beef, making the sauce even more indulgent.
   • A splash of red wine or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can add complexity and a slight sweetness to balance the savory notes.

5. Cheesy Bolognese

   • Top your dish with a generous amount of grated parmesan or mozzarella before baking it in the oven. You could even add a layer of béchamel sauce for a lasagna-style Bolognese.
   • For a twist, stir some ricotta cheese into the sauce for creaminess or use a melty cheese like fontina for a rich, gooey topping.

6. Herb-Infused Bolognese

   • While basil, thyme, and oregano are traditional in Italian Bolognese, don’t shy away from adding some fresh rosemary, sage, or bay leaves for a more aromatic experience.
   • Fresh parsley added just before serving will brighten up the dish and give it a fresh, herbaceous kick.

These variations keep the spirit of Jamie Oliver’s original recipe intact while allowing for creativity and personalization. The beauty of Bolognese is in its versatility, so you can adapt it to whatever you have on hand or what you’re craving!

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Bolognese spaghetti makes for an excellent leftover meal, but proper storage is key to ensuring that the dish stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Cool The Bolognese Sauce And Spaghetti Properly

   • After you’ve finished enjoying your meal, it’s crucial to let the leftover Bolognese sauce and pasta cool down at room temperature for no more than 1-2 hours. If left too long, bacteria can begin to form.
   • Spread the sauce or pasta out in a thin layer to help it cool more quickly.

2. Storage Containers

   • Store the leftover Bolognese sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers to maintain their texture. Pasta can become mushy if left in the sauce for too long, so separating them is often a good idea.
   • If you plan to store both together, make sure the sauce completely covers the pasta to prevent it from drying out.

3. Freezing Leftovers

   • Bolognese sauce freezes exceptionally well! You can portion it out into smaller containers or zip-lock bags and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for an easy and quick meal down the line when you’re craving a comforting dish but don’t want to start from scratch.
   • To defrost, simply place the sauce in the fridge overnight or heat it directly on the stove, stirring occasionally.

4. Reheating Leftovers

   • Reheat the Bolognese sauce on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and add a little splash of water, broth, or tomato sauce if the sauce thickens too much during the reheating process.
   • If you stored your pasta separately, simply heat it in boiling water for a few minutes or sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil.

5. Shelf Life

   • Leftover Bolognese sauce can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that, its quality may start to degrade, so it’s best to consume it within this time frame for optimal taste and safety.

What Goes Well With Bolognese Spaghetti?

Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti is a rich, savory dish that pairs wonderfully with several accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

1. Garlic Bread

   • A classic pairing, garlic bread complements the Bolognese sauce beautifully. The buttery, garlicky flavors offer a perfect contrast to the rich, meaty sauce. You can easily make your own by spreading garlic butter on baguette slices and toasting them in the oven.

2. Salads

   • A crisp, fresh salad can balance out the heaviness of the pasta. A simple green salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, works wonders.
   • For something heartier, try a Caesar salad with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons for an added textural contrast.

3. Roasted Vegetables

   • Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant bring a touch of sweetness and earthiness that pairs nicely with the savory sauce. You can toss them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting them until they’re golden and tender.

4. Red Wine

   • A full-bodied red wine like a Chianti, Sangiovese, or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors of the Bolognese. The acidity and tannins of these wines cut through the richness of the meat and tomato sauce, providing a well-rounded dining experience.

5. Grated Cheese

   • A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano will elevate the dish. The saltiness and nutty flavor of the cheese enhance the depth of the Bolognese sauce and add a creamy, delicious finish to each bite.

6. Steamed Or Grilled Asparagus

   • Asparagus is another excellent side dish for Bolognese spaghetti. Its mild flavor and tender texture add freshness to the meal and work well with the savory, hearty sauce.

7. Breadsticks Or Focaccia

   • Crunchy breadsticks or a soft, rosemary-infused focaccia can be a delightful addition to soak up any leftover sauce. The texture of the bread adds a pleasant contrast to the pasta and sauce.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti is a dish that never fails to satisfy. Its hearty, flavorful sauce combined with pasta creates a comforting and indulgent meal. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or exploring creative variations, there’s a world of possibilities to personalize the dish and make it your own.

Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying this dish later, and with a few best practices, your Bolognese will stay just as delicious after reheating. Pairing it with complementary sides like garlic bread, salads, or roasted vegetables can further elevate the meal and make for a satisfying dining experience.

So whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying it solo, Jamie’s Bolognese spaghetti is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home!

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe Unique?

Jamie Oliver’s bolognese spaghetti recipe stands out because of its rich, layered flavors. He uses a combination of beef, pork, and pancetta for a more complex taste. The recipe also incorporates fresh herbs, red wine, and a touch of milk, which adds a creamy texture and depth of flavor, making it different from the traditional bolognese.

Can I Use Other Types Of Meat In Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the beef and pork in Jamie Oliver’s bolognese with other meats, such as turkey or chicken. However, these substitutions will alter the flavor profile, and you may miss the richness that beef and pork bring. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms.

How Long Should I Cook The Bolognese Sauce For The Best Flavor?

Jamie Oliver recommends simmering the bolognese sauce for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to develop deep, rich flavors.

The longer you cook it, the more concentrated the sauce will become. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning, and check the seasoning to adjust as necessary.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely!

The bolognese sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can make the sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently before serving.

What Type Of Spaghetti Should I Use For Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Recipe?

Jamie Oliver suggests using high-quality Italian spaghetti for the best texture and flavor. Look for bronze-cut spaghetti, as it holds the sauce better than regular pasta. However, if you prefer another type of pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, they work wonderfully with bolognese as well.

Can I Substitute Canned Tomatoes With Fresh Tomatoes In Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Recipe?

While canned tomatoes provide a consistent and rich flavor, you can use fresh tomatoes in Jamie Oliver’s recipe. Simply blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes might require a little more cooking time to achieve the desired sauce consistency, but they will bring a fresher, lighter taste to the dish.

What Is The Purpose Of Adding Milk To The Bolognese Sauce?

The addition of milk in Jamie Oliver’s bolognese recipe helps to tenderize the meat and balance the acidity from the tomatoes. It adds a subtle richness to the sauce, making it creamier and less acidic. This step is key in creating a smoother, more rounded flavor.

Can I Use A Slow Cooker To Make Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti?

Yes, you can make the bolognese sauce in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience. Brown the meat and vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a tender, flavorful sauce.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Recipe Suitable For A Gluten-free Diet?

While the original bolognese recipe contains regular pasta, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Ensure that the other ingredients, such as the pancetta and stock, are also gluten-free. The bolognese sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Bolognese Spaghetti Besides Spaghetti?

If you’re looking for alternatives to spaghetti, Jamie Oliver’s bolognese pairs wonderfully with other types of pasta like rigatoni, penne, or even gnocchi. You could also serve the sauce over polenta, mashed potatoes, or even a bed of sautéed greens for a different twist.