Weeknight Bolognese
Try this Weeknight Bolognese recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Weeknight Bolognese recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 small shallot diced
- 1 lb lean ground sirloin
- 1 1/4 cups dry red wine divided
- pasta of choice cooked per instructions (i used cheese raviioli)
- 1/4 tsp fresh nutmeg grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped & more for serving
- Carbohydrate 2.90598312467965 g
- Cholesterol 10.5946875064916 mg
- Fat 3.70571041857697 g
- Fiber 0.377160411385826 g
- Protein 2.87160270834946 g
- Saturated Fat 2.03327658441841 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (111g)
- Sodium 102.881229165158 mg
- Sugar 2.52882271329383 g
- Trans Fat 0.216805770921428 g
- Calories 82 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium Dutch oven.
- Add the shallot and cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground sirloin and cook, crumbling up the meat with the spoon, for 5-7 minutes, or until the meat has lost its pink color.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes then cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.
- Spoon out any excess grease from the Dutch oven if needed.
- Pour 1 cup of red wine into the Dutch oven making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the tomatoes and tomato paste then season with a bit of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.
- Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook your desired pasta in salted water per instructions on the box.
- While the pasta is cooking, finish the sauce. Add the nutmeg, basil, cream, and remaining ½ cup of red wine to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Taste and re-season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste, if needed.
- Serve tossed with the cooked pasta and topped with lots of freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!
A Weeknight Winner: My Simple Bolognese Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, satisfying meals can feel like a constant battle. Weeknights are especially challenging, demanding quick, easy solutions that don’t compromise on taste. That's why I've perfected this Weeknight Bolognese – a hearty, flavorful sauce that comes together faster than you think. It's become a staple in our house, a go-to recipe that always pleases the whole family, even my picky eaters. Forget complicated techniques and long lists of ingredients; this recipe is all about simplicity and deliciousness.
The beauty of this Bolognese lies in its versatility. It's a blank canvas, really. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape – I often use cheese ravioli for a richer experience, but spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free alternatives work equally well. The sauce itself is wonderfully adaptable. If you don’t have red wine on hand, you can substitute with an extra splash of beef broth. Similarly, fresh basil can easily be swapped for dried if you're short on time. The core flavors – savory ground sirloin, aromatic garlic and oregano, and the tang of tomato – are the stars of the show, creating a symphony of taste that elevates the simplest of pasta dishes.
This recipe isn’t just about speed and convenience; it's also about enjoying the process. I find that cooking, especially something as straightforward as this Bolognese, is a wonderful way to de-stress after a long day. The rhythmic chopping, the satisfying sizzle of the meat hitting the hot pan, the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen – these are small moments of joy that make cooking therapeutic for me. It's a way to connect with myself and my family, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere around the dinner table.
Beyond weeknight dinners, this Bolognese is a fantastic base for a variety of other dishes. It’s delicious served over polenta, tucked into baked ziti, or even used as a filling for stuffed shells. The possibilities are endless! This is more than just a recipe; it’s a foundation for culinary creativity. So, embrace the simplicity, enjoy the process, and savor the deliciousness of this Weeknight Bolognese – it's a recipe that will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Tips for Success:
- Use good quality ground sirloin – the flavor makes a difference.
- Don't be afraid to season generously. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Let the sauce simmer – this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh – it adds a depth of flavor you won’t get from pre-grated cheese.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Follow the package directions for al dente perfection.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Add a crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- For a richer experience, add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each serving.
This Weeknight Bolognese recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying food doesn't have to be complicated. It's a recipe that embodies the spirit of simple, yet elegant cooking, showcasing the beauty of fresh ingredients and a few simple techniques. It's a recipe I'm proud to share, a recipe that embodies my philosophy of mindful eating and the joy of creating delicious meals for my family.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments if you give it a try, and feel free to share your own variations and adaptations. Happy cooking!
