Preparation:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pan.
• Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. These vegetables will provide the foundation for a rich sauce, adding sweetness and depth to the flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

• Once the vegetables are softened, add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet.
• Cook the meat over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
• Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with flavor. If you’re using turkey, it may release less fat, so you might need to add a little more olive oil to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the meat mixture.
• Pour in the broth (beef or vegetable) and bring the sauce to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
• Taste the sauce during the simmering process and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

• While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
• Drain the spaghetti and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water if you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

• Once both the spaghetti and sauce are ready, toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the Bolognese sauce.
• If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
• Toss until the spaghetti is fully coated in the rich sauce.
• Serve the Bolognese spaghetti in bowls, garnishing with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.