Aussie Spag Bol
A beloved Australian family dinner staple, this Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting and classic dish. Every household has their own treasured version, making it a true taste of home.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500g Beef mince(Choose a mince with around 15-20% fat for best flavour and texture.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil(For sautéing.)
- 1 large Onion(Finely chopped.)
- 1 large Carrot(Finely chopped or grated.)
- 2-3 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 2 x 400g cans Tinned chopped tomatoes(Good quality tomatoes will make a difference.)
- 250ml Beef stock(Or vegetable stock for a lighter flavour.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried mixed herbs(Or a mix of dried oregano and basil.)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 400-500g Spaghetti(Adjust amount based on preference.)
- for serving Parmesan cheese(Freshly grated is best.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's well browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat if desired.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 2
Add the finely chopped onion and carrot to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 7-8 minutes - 3
Pour in the two cans of chopped tomatoes and the beef stock. Stir in the dried mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the bolognese sauce simmer gently for at least 1 hour, or up to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This long, slow simmer allows the flavours to meld and deepen. The sauce should thicken nicely.
⏱️ 60-90 minutes - 5
About 15 minutes before the sauce is ready, cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Aim for 'al dente' – tender but still with a slight bite.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 6
Drain the spaghetti well. Serve the bolognese sauce generously over the cooked spaghetti. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Every family has their secret ingredient – try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- ✓This is a fantastic weeknight meal that can be made ahead of time. The flavours often improve overnight.
- ✓Kids love it! For picky eaters, you can finely grate extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the sauce – they'll be hidden by the rich tomato base.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavour, add 100ml of red wine after browning the mince and cook until evaporated before adding the tomatoes.
- Add a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers for an extra layer of flavour.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef mince with lentils or a plant-based mince alternative.