Spaghetti Bolognese @Unappreciatedchef

## One-Pot Wonder: Speedy Spaghetti Bolognese

This recipe is a quick and flavorful take on the classic Spaghetti Bolognese, perfect for a weeknight meal.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the sauce:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 500g (1 lb) ground beef
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 2 cups beef broth
* 1 cup red wine (optional)
* 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* **For serving:**
* 300g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the onion:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. **Brown the beef:** Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides.

3. **Garlic and herbs:** Add the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to release the fragrance of the herbs.

4. **Deglace and simmer:** Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step adds depth of flavor. Then, add the beef broth and red wine (if using). Bring to a simmer.

5. **Tomatoes and sugar:** Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

6. **Simmer the sauce:** Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.

7. **Cook the pasta:** While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot of boiling salted water.

8. **Assemble and serve:** Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add the simmered bolognese sauce to the pasta and toss to coat everything evenly.

9. **Serve it up!:** Plate your delicious Spaghetti Bolognese and top with grated Parmesan cheese (optional). Enjoy!

**Tips:**

* For a richer flavored sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the crushed tomatoes.
* Feel free to adjust the amount of red wine to your preference. You can even omit it altogether and substitute with additional beef broth.
* This recipe is easily customizable! Add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers while sautéing the onion.
* Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin out the sauce.