Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stick, diced
– 1 pound ground beef or a meat substitute
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for a kick)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
– ½ cup red wine (optional)
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– Squid ink or black food coloring (optional for a spooky effect)
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Grated cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
To create your Scary Spaghetti Bolognese, simply follow these simple steps:
1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, carrot, and celery, cooking until tender.
3. Brown the Meat: Increase the heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add tomato paste, stirring well.
5. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
6. Deglaze (if using): Pour in red wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Add Broth: Pour in the broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
8. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 20-30 minutes.
9. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
10. Add Color (if desired): If you want a spooky look, stir in squid ink or a drop of black food coloring to the sauce until fully incorporated.
11. Combine Spaghetti & Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well coated.
12. Serve: Plate the spaghetti and sauce, garnishing with fresh basil and cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 24g