Fusilli Bolognese Recipe

Introduction

Fusilli Bolognese is a comforting and hearty Italian pasta dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. This recipe combines a rich, savory meat sauce with twisted fusilli pasta, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (or 2-3 cloves finely chopped)
• 500 grams (16 oz) beef mince
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• 700 grams (24.5 oz) tomato passata
• 400 grams (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp dried onion
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 500 grams (16 oz) fusilli
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Cracked black pepper, to garnish
• Parmesan cheese, to garnish
• Parsley (finely chopped), to garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 and ½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-based pan over high heat. Add the garlic, beef mince, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon.
2. Step 2: Pour in the tomato passata, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion, and dried Italian herbs. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid (optional), and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium saucepan, bring water to a boil with a teaspoon of salt. Cook the fusilli according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked fusilli and reserved pasta water to the Bolognese sauce. Stir gently to combine and allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
6. Step 6: Serve the fusilli Bolognese onto plates. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and finely chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce before simmering.
• Swap beef mince for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Mix in some chopped mushrooms or grated carrots with the beef to add texture and nutrients.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the garlic.

Storage

Store leftover Fusilli Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw thoroughly before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any shaped pasta like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti works well with Bolognese sauce. Choose your favorite shape and adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce excess liquid. You can also add a spoonful more tomato paste to intensify thickness and flavor.

Fusilli Bolognese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

This classic Fusilli Bolognese recipe features tender beef mince simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce. Combined with perfectly cooked fusilli pasta and garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick family meal that takes just 25 minutes to prepare.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Sauce and Meat

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (or 2–3 cloves finely chopped)
• 500 grams (16 oz) beef mince
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• 700 grams (24.5 oz) tomato passata
• 400 grams (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp dried onion
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

Pasta and Garnish

• 500 grams (16 oz) fusilli pasta
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for garnish
• Parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the beef mince: Heat 1 and ½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-based pan over high heat. Add the minced garlic, beef mince, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to break up any clumps until the mince is browned to a medium brown color.
2. Add the sauce: Pour in the tomato passata, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion, and dried Italian herbs. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid (optional), and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the fusilli: Bring a medium-sized saucepan filled with water and a teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
5. Combine: Add the cooked fusilli to the bolognese sauce in the pan along with the reserved pasta water. Stir thoroughly to mix the pasta with the sauce evenly.
6. Serve and enjoy: Portion the fusilli bolognese onto serving plates. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and finely chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

• Note 1: Use fusilli pasta as it holds the sauce well, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes if desired.
• Note 2: Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and ensures it coats the pasta beautifully.
• For a richer flavor, you may add a splash of red wine when cooking the beef mince (optional).
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef mince with plant-based mince and adjust Worcestershire sauce to a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Keywords: Fusilli Bolognese, Italian pasta recipe, beef bolognese, quick dinner, classic Italian dish, tomato sauce pasta