Print

Fusilli Bolognese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

A classic Italian pasta dish featuring hearty beef Bolognese sauce combined with perfectly cooked fusilli pasta. This recipe offers rich tomato flavors balanced with aromatic herbs and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, finished with parmesan and fresh parsley for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (tomato puree)
  • 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 cracked black pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until browned, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to break up any clumps of meat. The mince should turn a medium brown color as it cooks.
  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 ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid (optional), and let the sauce gently simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
  4. Cook fusilli: In a separate medium saucepan, bring water to a boil with a teaspoon of salt. 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 pasta and reserved pasta water to the Bolognese sauce in the large pan. Stir to combine evenly, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Portion the fusilli Bolognese onto serving plates. Garnish with a liberal amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and finely chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the meal.

Notes

  • Note 1: Use good quality fusilli or any preferred pasta shape that holds sauce well.
  • Note 2: Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
  • You can optionally add vegetables like finely chopped carrots or celery during the sauce cooking step for added nutrition and flavor.
  • For a richer flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer or prepare a day ahead and reheat before serving.

Keywords: Fusilli Bolognese, Beef Bolognese, Italian Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Classic Bolognese, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/fusilli-bolognese-recipe/