Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese

Jamie Oliver’s Spaghetti Bolognese brings together tender beef, sweet vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Each bite is comforting, hearty, and bursting with classic Italian-inspired flavour—a true family favourite.

Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese recipe provides around 450 calories per serving, with 25g protein, 50g carbohydrates, 15g fat, and 4g fibre. It’s a balanced meal, offering a good source of protein and fibre, though it contains moderate fat and salt due to beef and cheese.

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 500g ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 200ml beef stock
• 100ml red wine (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Spaghetti

• 400g spaghetti
• Salt (for boiling water)

For Garnish

• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil, chopped

Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese Video

Method

1. Prepare the vegetables
   Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Set aside for later.
2. Brown the beef
   Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same pan, add a splash more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Build the Bolognese sauce
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Return the browned beef to the pan. Add canned tomatoes, beef stock, red wine (if using), and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Simmer the sauce
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and full of flavour.
6. Cook the spaghetti
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain well.
7. Combine and serve
   Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce ladled over the spaghetti.
8. Garnish and enjoy
   Sprinkle over grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.

Additional Tips

• Use fresh vegetables and high-quality beef for the best flavour.
• Let the sauce simmer slowly for a richer taste.
• Reserve a splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling to the spaghetti.
• Swap beef for pork, turkey, or plant-based mince for a twist.
• Enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.

Suggested Wine Pairing

Majestic: Villa Borghetti Valpolicella Ripasso

A lively Italian red with cherry and plum notes, this wine’s bright acidity and soft tannins complement the rich, savoury Bolognese sauce beautifully. Its earthy undertones enhance the tomato and beef flavours.

Tesco: Tesco Finest Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

This Montepulciano offers bold berry fruit and a hint of spice, making it a classic match for spaghetti Bolognese. The wine’s robust character stands up to the hearty sauce, while its smooth finish refreshes the palate.

Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Chianti

With vibrant red fruit and a touch of pepper, this Chianti balances the richness of the Bolognese. Its lively acidity cuts through the sauce, making every bite and sip more enjoyable.

What can you serve with this

1. Garlic bread – Crunchy and buttery, perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
2. Green salad – A fresh, crisp salad adds balance and lightness to the meal.
3. Roasted vegetables – Sweet, caramelised veg offer a lovely contrast to the savoury Bolognese.
4. Steamed broccoli – Adds colour and a healthy crunch.
5. Antipasti platter – Cured meats and olives make a great Italian-inspired starter.

FAQs for Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese

• Can I use a different pasta shape for Bolognese? Yes, tagliatelle, penne, or fettuccine all work well with Bolognese sauce.
• How do I make spaghetti Bolognese more flavourful? Simmer the sauce longer, use fresh herbs, and add a splash of red wine for depth.
• Can I freeze Bolognese sauce? Absolutely. Cool and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat gently.
• How do I stop spaghetti from sticking? Cook in plenty of salted water, stir occasionally, and drain promptly. Toss with a little olive oil if needed.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, swap the beef for lentils or plant-based mince for a meat-free version.
• Is Parmesan cheese vegetarian? Traditional Parmesan is not, but vegetarian alternatives are available.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Gently reheat on the hob with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.
• How long does Bolognese keep in the fridge? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Can I add extra vegetables? Yes, mushrooms, peppers, or courgette work well in the sauce.
• What wine pairs best with spaghetti Bolognese? Italian reds like Chianti, Montepulciano, or Valpolicella are excellent choices.

Nutri-score Health Check

Nutri-Score: C – This rating reflects a balanced meal with protein, fibre, and vegetables, but moderate fat and salt from beef and cheese.

Positive Factors

• Lean beef provides protein and iron.
• Vegetables add fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
• Tomatoes offer antioxidants and lycopene.

Negative Factors

• Cheese increases saturated fat and salt.
• Beef adds fat and cholesterol.
• Pasta is refined, though whole wheat can be used for extra fibre.

This Nutri-Score has been automatically calculated from the recipe ingredients and is only a guide.