Spaghetti Bolognese

Here’s a recipe for Spaghetti Bolognese, with instructions and a calorie counter:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
   • Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and the bay leaf.
   • Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Stir well.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld together. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce in the skillet or serve the sauce over the pasta in bowls.
   • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Optional Tips:

• To make the sauce richer, you can add a splash of milk or cream toward the end of cooking.
• For extra flavor, try adding a few finely chopped mushrooms or pancetta.
• The red wine adds depth, but you can substitute it with more beef broth if you prefer not to use wine.

Calorie Counter (per serving, recipe serves 4):

• Spaghetti (12 oz): ~630 calories
• Ground beef (1 lb): ~960 calories
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): ~240 calories
• Onion (1 small): ~30 calories
• Carrot (1 medium): ~25 calories
• Celery (1 stalk): ~10 calories
• Diced tomatoes (1 can): ~80 calories
• Tomato paste (1/4 cup): ~50 calories
• Beef broth (1/2 cup): ~10 calories
• Red wine (1/2 cup, optional): ~100 calories
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): ~100 calories

Total Calories (without Parmesan, without wine): ~2040 calories
Calories per serving (without Parmesan, without wine): ~510 calories

Total Calories (with Parmesan, with wine): ~2250 calories
Calories per serving (with Parmesan, with wine): ~565 calories

Enjoy your rich and hearty Spaghetti Bolognese!