Simple and Modern Spaghetti Bolognese

Directions

• Preparation
  
  Begin by organizing all ingredients on your work surface. Peel the onion and remove the outer dry layers. Cut it in half and finely dice it into small, even pieces. This is important, as finely chopped onion will soften completely and blend naturally into the sauce without overpowering the meat. Peel the garlic clove and mince it very finely or crush it with the flat side of a knife until aromatic.
  Grate the Parmesan cheese using a fine grater and set it aside in a small bowl. Measure the tomato sauce and keep it at room temperature. Unwrap the minced beef and gently separate it with your hands so it cooks evenly later.
  Fill a large pot with water for the spaghetti. Place it on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil. Add salt generously. Properly salted water is essential for flavorful pasta and should never be skipped.
• Cooking
  
  Heat the olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once warm, add the chopped onion. Cook it slowly, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft, glossy, and lightly translucent. This step builds the base flavor of the sauce and should not be rushed.
  Add the garlic to the pan and stir briefly for about 20–30 seconds. The garlic should release its aroma but must not brown, as burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter.
  Increase the heat slightly and add the minced beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart thoroughly. Stir continuously to ensure even browning. The meat should cook until it loses its raw color and begins to develop a light golden tone. Crumble the beef stock cube directly into the pan and mix well so it dissolves and coats the meat evenly.
  Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until fully combined. Reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir from time to time to prevent sticking and to help the flavors develop naturally. Season with black pepper and adjust salt carefully if needed.
• Finishing
  
  While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in the boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking. Before draining, reserve a small cup of the pasta cooking water.
  Drain the spaghetti well. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the sauce if it appears too thick. This step improves texture and helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Taste the sauce one final time and make any small seasoning adjustments.
• 4. Serving
  
  Divide the cooked spaghetti evenly between serving plates or bowls. Spoon the hot Bolognese sauce generously over the pasta, allowing it to settle naturally between the strands. Finish each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  Serve immediately while hot. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, when the sauce is rich, the pasta perfectly tender, and the cheese gently melting on top.