Spaghetti bolognese is a firm favourite on dinner tables up and down the country, a comforting, hearty classic that’s simple to make, endlessly customisable, and loved by the whole family. Whether served on a busy weeknight or cooked low and slow for a weekend treat, it’s a go-to recipe that never goes out of style.

But one humble kitchen staple is being hailed as the secret to making it even better, and it’s taking food lovers by surprise. The ingredient is honey. The same golden syrup drizzled on porridge or stirred into tea is now making its way into one of Britain’s most iconic meals.

In a recent Master Chef cook-off judged by celebrity chefs The Hairy Bikers, honey proved to be the star of the show.

Home cook Jonathan Wood impressed the panel with his rich, layered spag bol, where honey was used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the depth of the sauce.

Combined with sherry vinegar, smoked paprika and a touch of heat, the honey helped to round out the flavours and deliver a perfectly balanced finish.

It’s a simple addition, but one that transforms the dish into something altogether more refined.

Just a spoonful stirred into the simmering sauce can bring a mellow sweetness that ties everything together, lifting the flavour without overpowering it.

The tip is already making waves among food enthusiasts, with many praising how honey adds complexity and richness, especially when paired with quality beef and ripe tomatoes.

For those looking to upgrade their spag bol without reinventing the wheel, honey might just be the magic touch.