Name: Homemade macaroni bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Spain
Ingredients: 400 g macaroni; 400 g mixed ground meat; 400 g crushed tomatoes; 1 onion; 1 carrot; Oil, salt, pepper and basil

Macaroni with ground meat and tomato sauce. A family canteen classic everyone loves.

Ingredients

How many are you cooking for?

Original recipe for 4 servings

400 g macaroni
400 g mixed ground meat
400 g crushed tomatoes
1 onion
1 carrot
Oil, salt, pepper and basil

Step by step

Follow the timeline: technique icon, time and temperature when relevant.

Step 1 Pan

Sauté chopped onion and garlic in oil until translucent. Add minced meat and brown over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spatula, until no longer pink.
Step 2 Pot / simmer 17 min

Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper and oregano. Simmer over medium-low heat 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3 Cook

Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with the sauce or serve sauce on top.
Step 4 Serve

Serve with grated cheese and fresh basil if you have it.

Storage

Consumir preferiblemente el mismo día; refrigerar hasta 48 h.

Chef tips

Proper browning gives the sauce deep umami flavour.
A teaspoon of tomato paste deepens colour and taste.
Bolognese sauce is even better reheated the next day.

Allergens

Diet

Not vegetarian (contains animal products)

Variations

Substitutions for a vegan version

Instead of: 400 g mixed ground meat

Use: same amount of seitan strips, cooked brown lentils or sliced portobello mushrooms

Why: Meat provides chewable protein and fat; you need a substitute that survives long cooking and absorbs spices.

Tip: If using lentils, keep them whole for texture. With seitan, sear over high heat first. Adjust salt at the end.

Other variations

Ajusta verduras o especias según temporada.

Quick summary

At-a-glance while you cook. Full details are in the step-by-step.

1 Sauté chopped onion and garlic in oil until translucent. Add minced meat and brown over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spatula, until no longer pink.
2 Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper and oregano. Simmer over medium-low heat 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3 Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with the sauce or serve sauce on top.
4 Serve with grated cheese and fresh basil if you have it.