Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style
Kitchies, let me set the scene for you—picture twirling tender strands of garlic butter spaghetti, coated in a luscious beef Bolognese sauce that simmers with deep, rich flavor. This dish is where comfort meets elegance, and it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without hesitation.
The magic lies in the balance of boldness and subtlety. The hearty Bolognese sauce, slow-cooked with a blend of tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and savory beef, marries perfectly with the silky, garlic-infused spaghetti. Together, it’s a union that feels indulgent yet familiar—like a big, warm Italian hug.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner that needs a little extra flair or a weekend gathering with loved ones, this recipe fits the bill. It’s simple enough for everyday meals but deliciously special for when you want to impress.
Recipe Overview in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style
This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food. The buttery spaghetti, kissed with just the right amount of garlic, provides the perfect base for a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce.
The combination is a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. You’ll love how the flavors meld together in this elevated yet approachable dish.
Exciting Story
The first time I made this recipe, it was for a cozy Friday night in with my family. My husband took one bite and said, “This is restaurant-quality!” My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, cleaned their plates faster than I’d ever seen. Now, it’s a staple in our home, especially when we want something that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Why This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Bolognese?
- Perfect Pairing: The rich, hearty Bolognese sauce complements the garlicky butter-coated spaghetti perfectly.
- Versatile: Works for casual dinners, date nights, or even meal prepping for the week.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Cuisine
Italian
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
How to Make Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Bolognese
- Make the Bolognese Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water. Stir well to coat the pasta in the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Plate the garlic butter spaghetti and top generously with the Bolognese sauce. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan cheese, or fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Cook Low and Slow: Let the Bolognese sauce simmer longer for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Pasta Water Magic: Adding reserved pasta water to the spaghetti helps the sauce cling beautifully.
- Butter Tip: Use high-quality butter for a truly luxurious flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Options: Swap beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles.
- Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir grated Parmesan into the butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
- Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter alternative.
- Reduce the amount of salt and opt for lean ground meat.
Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style
And there it is—Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese! A dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to make its way into your favorites. Give it a try, and don’t forget to sprinkle on some extra Parmesan before diving in!
Relevant Categories: Dinner, Italian Cuisine, Pasta, Comfort Food
Tags: Bolognese Sauce, Garlic Butter, Spaghetti, Easy Dinner Recipes, Family-Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the Bolognese sauce in advance?
Yes, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. - What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine, linguine, or even pappardelle work beautifully. - How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic on medium-low heat and stir constantly to avoid overcooking. - Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! A splash of red wine adds depth and richness to the Bolognese. - How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes to reduce the liquid. - What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent options.
Enjoy every garlicky, buttery, saucy bite! 🍝🧄
Print
Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese
Description
Kitchies, let me set the scene for you—picture twirling tender strands of garlic butter spaghetti, coated in a luscious beef Bolognese sauce that simmers with deep, rich flavor.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Make the Bolognese Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water. Stir well to coat the pasta in the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Plate the garlic butter spaghetti and top generously with the Bolognese sauce. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan cheese, or fresh basil if desired.
