Spaghetti Bolognese

- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil - 2 garlic cloves , minced - 1 onion , finely chopped (brown, yellow or white) - 1 lb / 500g beef mince (ground beef) OR half pork, half beef (Note 1) - 1/2 cup (125 ml) dry red wine (sub water or beef broth/stock) - 2 beef bouillon cubes , crumbled OR granulated beef bouillon (Note 2) - 800g / 28 oz can crushed tomato (or tomato passata) - 2 tbsp tomato paste - 2 tsp white sugar , if needed (Note 3) - 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce - 2 dried bay leaves - 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano) - 3/4 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt) - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 400 g / 13 oz spaghetti , dried - Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley (optional)

1. Saute: Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden. 2. Cook beef: Turn heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until browned. 3. Reduce wine: Add red wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, scraping the bottom of the pot, until the alcohol smell is gone. 4. Simmer: Add the remaining ingredients. Stir, bring to a simmer, then turn down to medium so it bubbles gently. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes uncovered, adding water if the sauce gets too thick. Stir occasionally. 5. Slow simmer option: Add 3/4 cup water, cover with lid, and simmer on very low for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so. Uncover and simmer 20 minutes to thicken sauce. 6. Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve over spaghetti, or toss the sauce and pasta together for best texture. 7. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook per package directions minus 1 minute. 8. Scoop out a mug of pasta cooking water and set aside, then drain the pasta. 9. Add pasta into the bolognese sauce with about 1/2 cup reserved pasta water over medium heat. Toss gently for 1.5 to 2 minutes until the spaghetti turns red and the sauce thickens. 10. Divide between bowls. Garnish with parmesan and parsley if desired.

Added from DKG link. Classic weeknight spaghetti bolognese from RecipeTin Eats. Family-friendly beef pasta with optional longer simmer for deeper flavor.