Fusilli Bolognese Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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