Mom's Spaghetti Bolognese

Recipe View Prepare the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, about 12 minutes, until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. (12 minutes)

Recipe View Sauté the Aromatics and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. (18-22 minutes)

Recipe View Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. (8-10 minutes)

Recipe View Develop the Sauce: Pour the balsamic vinegar over the ground beef mixture and let it simmer until the liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours, for the flavors to meld. Stir in the fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking. (35-125 minutes)

Recipe View Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot with the Bolognese sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil.