Spaghetti Bolognese is one of those dishes that instantly reminds me of home. I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s version. I had just moved into my first apartment, and I was determined to learn how to cook real food. Something hearty. Something classic. I stumbled across Jamie’s take on Spaghetti Bolognese and decided to give it a shot. That night, with my tiny stovetop and borrowed saucepan, I made my very first proper Bolognese. It was rich, comforting, and full of flavor. And just like that, I was hooked.
What I love about Jamie Oliver’s recipe is how it builds flavor in layers. The vegetables are finely chopped, the meat is browned to perfection, and the slow simmering creates this deep, savory sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. It is honest, rustic food that never tries too hard. Since that first attempt, I have made this recipe dozens of times. It has become my go-to when I want to cook something special for guests or just treat myself to a cozy evening in.
Jamie’s version adds a few thoughtful touches that elevate it beyond your average weeknight pasta. It is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and your plate with comfort. If you love a good, slow-cooked meat sauce and want something that is simple to make but delivers big on flavor, this is a recipe worth trying. Let me walk you through how I make it, step by step.
What is Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese?
It is a rich and hearty Italian-style meat sauce served over spaghetti, made with minced beef, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, tinned tomatoes, and herbs. Jamie Oliver’s version often includes balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and a slow simmering process to deepen the flavor.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you are feeding family, guests, or just cooking for yourself, it delivers every time. Jamie’s approach is simple and approachable, but the end result tastes like it came from a traditional Italian kitchen.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
-
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
-
500 grams minced beef
-
2 tablespoons tomato purée
-
400 grams tinned chopped tomatoes
-
150 milliliters red wine (optional)
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
-
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
400 grams spaghetti
-
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instruction to Make Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese
-
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened.
-
Turn up the heat and add the minced beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over.
-
Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a minute or two. Pour in the red wine if using, and let it simmer until it has mostly evaporated.
-
Add the tinned tomatoes, dried oregano, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper.
-
Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
-
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little of the pasta water.
-
Toss the spaghetti with the sauce or serve it spooned generously over the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.
Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 celery sticks finely chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 500 grams minced beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 400 grams tinned chopped tomatoes
- 150 milliliters red wine optional
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 400 grams spaghetti
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened.
- Turn up the heat and add the minced beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over.
- Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a minute or two. Pour in the red wine if using, and let it simmer until it has mostly evaporated.
- Add the tinned tomatoes, dried oregano, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little of the pasta water.
- Toss the spaghetti with the sauce or serve it spooned generously over the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese
I love serving this with a fresh green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough is perfect for mopping up the extra sauce. A glass of red wine never hurts either. If you are going for a full Italian dinner, a simple dessert like panna cotta or tiramisu rounds it off beautifully.
My Tips to Make the Best Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese
-
Use good quality minced beef with a bit of fat for flavor.
-
Let the sauce simmer slowly and patiently. The longer it cooks, the richer it becomes.
-
Add a bit of reserved pasta water when mixing the sauce and spaghetti. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
-
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten up the dish at the end.
-
Grate the Parmesan just before serving for maximum flavor.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese
-
Swap minced beef with minced lamb for a deeper flavor.
-
Add chopped mushrooms or grated zucchini to sneak in extra vegetables.
-
Make it vegetarian by using lentils or plant-based mince.
-
Spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika.
-
Add a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Best Way to Store Jamie Oliver Spaghetti Bolognese
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It actually tastes even better the next day. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and cook fresh spaghetti when ready to serve.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
-
Calories: 520
-
Protein: 28 grams
-
Carbohydrates: 55 grams
-
Fat: 20 grams
-
Saturated Fat: 7 grams
-
Fiber: 6 grams
-
Sugar: 10 grams
-
Sodium: 600 milligrams
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce actually improves in flavor after resting. Make it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Just cool it completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, although spaghetti is traditional, this sauce goes well with any pasta shape.
Do I have to use red wine?
No, you can skip it or replace it with a splash of beef stock or extra tomato purée.
Can I make it without Parmesan?
Yes, but Parmesan adds a wonderful umami finish. A vegan hard cheese also works well.
Conclusion
Every time I make Jamie Oliver’s Spaghetti Bolognese, I am reminded of why I started cooking in the first place. There is a certain magic in taking simple, everyday ingredients and transforming them into something that feels so rich and satisfying. This recipe does exactly that. It brings warmth to the kitchen, joy to the table, and it always fills the house with the kind of smell that makes everyone hungry before dinner is even ready.
I have made this for quiet weeknights, big family gatherings, and cozy dinners for two. It never fails. There is something about the way the flavors build and mellow together that makes it taste like it has been simmering all day, even when I have made it in under an hour. It is comfort food in the best possible way, and it always hits the spot.
What I love most about this recipe is how it invites you to make it your own. You can add, subtract, or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it will still turn out beautifully. That kind of flexibility makes it a staple in my kitchen.
If you are looking for a hearty, satisfying, and foolproof pasta dish, I can’t recommend this enough. It is approachable, full of flavor, and genuinely enjoyable to prepare. And once you try it, I have a feeling it might just become a regular in your kitchen too.
So roll up your sleeves, grab your pan, and let the scent of Bolognese fill your home. You are going to love it.
