Meal Prep & Make-Ahead
Marry Me Spaghetti Bolognese
Rich, savoury and the sort of pasta sauce that tastes even better the next day. Perfect for batch-cooking and cosy nights in.
Serves
4
Prep
15 mins
Cook
45 mins
Ingredients
For the sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 400 g minced beef
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 400 g tomato puree or passata
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• A small handful of basil, plus extra to finish
• Sea salt and black pepper
For the pasta
• 400 g spaghetti
• Parmesan, grated
• Extra virgin olive oil, optional
• Freshly ground black pepper
Method
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and brown the minced beef. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add the onion, celery and garlic, then saute until the onion turns translucent and softened.
3. Stir in the tomato puree, bay leaves, rosemary and cayenne. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring now and then so the flavour can deepen.
4. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions.
5. Divide the pasta between bowls and spoon over the rich sauce. Finish with basil, black pepper, Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil, if you like.
Good For You Note
Beef brings protein, iron and vitamin B12 for energy and focus, and the tomato base provides lycopene, an antioxidant that becomes easier to absorb when cooked with olive oil. It is also the kind of batch-cooked sauce that makes weeknight dinners far easier.