Spaghetti Bolognese
June 30, 2008 – 7:58 pm by wiffyThis is the cheater’s way of making Spaghetti Bolognese. I know pro cooks out there will probably laugh at my short cut way of using ready made tomato paste, but it really does save me a lot of time 
This meal cost like S$8 for two persons and takes less than 30 minutes to cook & prepare. So easy and economical, heh 
Ingredients
(Serves 3)
240g spaghetti
200g minced beef & 50g minced pork (or use 250g minced beef)
50ml vegetable stock (note: if not using red wine, use 100ml of stock)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp chopped onions and garlic
10 tbsp pasta tomato paste (or tomato sauce like prego’s)
1 tbsp chopped parsley/basil
1-2 stalk celery, cut to small slices (optional)
1 small tomato, diced (optional)
1/4 cup red wine/red cooking wine (optional)
Directions
1. Bring a pot of water containing salt and oil to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package, drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat oil and saute garlic & parsley/basil.
3. When fragrant, add pork and fry for 2 minutes, gently breaking the minced meat to bits using a wooden turner.
4. Add the minced beef and fry evenly till the meat is cooked. If using celery, add them when the beef is cooked half way.
5. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, followed by the red wine & vegetable stock. Stir evenly. Simmer for about 10 minutes without covering until the meat sauce has evaporated to the right consistency.
6. Serve the cooked spaghetti on a plate and pour the meat sauce over.
==
This dish is submitted to Presto Pasta Nights, a food blog event by Ruth.
Thanks to We Are Never Full for the reminder on adding red wine
Share the good food
Tags: bolognese, food, italian, Pasta, spaghetti
Posted in Blog Events, Mushrooms, One-Dish Meals, Pasta, Presto Pasta Nights, Recipes
15 Responses to “Spaghetti Bolognese”
I love “spag bol” in all its incarnations. This one, included.
By [eatingclub vancouver] js on Jun 30, 2008
Makes me hungry just by looking at the photos. It’s money well spent for a homely and healthy meal, yah?
By didally on Jun 30, 2008
Glad I had an extra helping, yummy!
By Boon on Jun 30, 2008
As usual u torture me with your food pictures! Now I’m really hungry….don’t u dare go to bed
as I’m coming over!
By Joyce on Jun 30, 2008
i think you’re being hard on yourself! i don’t have time to make my own tomato paste! the ‘cheating’ part is not simmering your ragu for like 3 hours. but who cares. still looks yum and you followed the traditional rules by not using a tomato-sauce base!!
the only thing i would say to add next time is some red wine. you’ll notice a bit of a kick w/ the sauce!
By We Are Never Full on Jun 30, 2008
I love Bolognese. I think it’s my favorite comfort food…better than mac ‘n cheese any day. Thanks for sharing with Presto pasta Night.
By Ruth on Jul 1, 2008
That spaghetti bolognese looks really good! Nice photos.
By Kevin on Jul 1, 2008
Nothing wrong with easy meals that taste good — every cook should have a few of those in her repertoire!
By Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) on Jul 1, 2008
I’m also a cheater this week with pasta! Hahhaa….but who cares if it makes yummy-sense and value
I usually use a can of tomatoes as my pasta base. Is it consider cheating too
Your pasta looks so yummy!
By tigerfish on Jul 1, 2008
we are never full: Thanks for the red wine reminder! I totally forgot about it!
Thanks everyone for the nice comments, glad I’m not the only one taking some short cuts in the kitchen
By wiffy on Jul 1, 2008
Hi Wiffy,
Just a short note to let you know that winner of June IFP has been announced.
Have a wonderful day, Margot
By Coffee and Vanilla on Jul 1, 2008
Let so-called “pro cooks” laugh, Wiffy. It matters nothing in the scheme of things. If you are happy with your repast, that it all that counts. I am arch w/ suspicion by those who choose to judge others by so quibbling details.
As usual, your photos rock. The exposures are first rate, but I don’t have to tell you that. And your recipe rocks, too.
By Susan on Jul 2, 2008
I just posted a spag bol recipe too, what a coincidence!
Sometimes I use prepared tomato sauce as well (especially if it’s on offer), although a can of chopped tomatoes doesn’t differ very much in terms of preparation. As long as it tastes good and healthy and is quick to prepare, who cares! 
By Nilmandra on Jul 2, 2008
Cheating? That’s not cheating! Using a jar is cheating. =)
By daphne on Jul 3, 2008
Susan: Thanks for your encouraging words, I have so much to learn from u
Nilmandra: Your version of spag bol rox!
daphne, Margot: Thanks
By wiffy on Jul 8, 2008