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For a tasty Bolognese, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth - Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice These ingredients form the heart of the dish. The meat gives richness, while the veggies add texture and flavor. Want to enhance the taste? Consider adding: - 1/2 cup red wine for depth - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for sweetness - Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley These options can elevate your sauce. Each one brings a new layer of taste to your meal. To make your dish shine, top it with: - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese These garnishes add brightness and creaminess. They make every bite pop with flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender and the onions to be translucent. This step builds the base flavor for your sauce. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, which takes about 7-10 minutes. This gives the sauce a rich flavor and texture. Now, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you want some heat. Cook for another minute until you smell the garlic. This adds depth to your sauce. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz) and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine well. The tomatoes bring a bright flavor and help thicken the sauce. Next, pour in 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This helps blend all the flavors together. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring now and then. This allows the sauce to thicken and deepen in flavor. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish. - Use a food processor to chop veggies fast. - Brown the meat in batches for even cooking. - Keep a can of crushed tomatoes handy for quick sauce. - Use pre-cooked pasta to save time. - Make enough sauce to freeze for later meals. - Add a splash of red wine for depth. - Use fresh herbs if you have them; they make a big difference. - A bit of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. - Stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving for richness. - Top with freshly grated cheese for extra flavor. - Don’t rush the simmering; let the flavors develop. - Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should remain tender. - Watch the salt; taste the sauce before adding more. - Don’t forget to break up the meat well while cooking. - Skipping the fresh herbs can make the dish bland. Pro Tips Use a Mix of Meats: Combining ground beef and turkey not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nice texture to the sauce. Let It Simmer: A longer simmer time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t rush this step! Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference throughout the cooking process. Save the Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta cooking water to add to the sauce if it’s too thick; this will help the sauce adhere better to the pasta. {{image_2}} For a meatless Bolognese, use lentils or mushrooms. Both add great texture and flavor. You can also use crumbled tofu for protein. Replace the broth with vegetable broth for a vegan option. Add more spices to boost the taste. Try a mix of herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh kick. You can mix meats for a richer flavor. Ground beef and turkey work well together. You might also try ground pork or chicken. Each type brings its own taste and texture. If you prefer a leaner dish, use only ground turkey. For a bolder flavor, add some Italian sausage. For gluten-free pasta, use rice or corn-based options. These pastas cook differently, so check the package. Zucchini noodles are a fun, healthy choice too. They add color and crunch to your dish. Just sauté them lightly before adding the sauce. This keeps them from getting soggy. To keep your Bolognese tasty, store it quickly. Let it cool first. Use a clean, airtight container. Fill it with the sauce and pasta. If you mix them, the pasta may get soggy. Label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it lasts. When reheating, use a pot or skillet. Add a splash of broth or water. This keeps the sauce moist. Heat over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. This keeps moisture in and heats evenly. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space for expansion. You can freeze the sauce alone or with pasta. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your easy meal anytime! You can serve Simple Weeknight Bolognese with spaghetti or any pasta you like. Garlic bread pairs well too. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. For a fun twist, try serving it over polenta. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping. Bolognese sauce lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Yes, you can make Bolognese sauce in advance. It tastes even better after sitting for a day. Just cool it down and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove when you're ready to eat. Yes, you can make a low-carb version of Bolognese. Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta. You can also add more mushrooms for a hearty texture without the carbs. To add more vegetables, you can include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just chop them finely and add them when you sauté the onions. You can also add canned mushrooms or diced zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. This blog post covers a simple weeknight Bolognese recipe. We explored key and optional ingredients, garnishes, and detailed cooking steps. I shared tips for busy nights, flavor boosts, and common mistakes. Variations include vegetarian options and gluten-free pasta. Lastly, I provided storage tips and answered common questions. Cooking Bolognese can be easy and fun. You can enjoy a delicious meal without stress. Give it a try and make it your own!

Hearty Weeknight Bolognese

A delicious and comforting Bolognese sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 number carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for serving cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Vegetables: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
  • Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Incorporate Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine everything well.
  • Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce.
  • Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve: Spoon the Bolognese sauce over cooked spaghetti or your preferred pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
Keyword Bolognese, pasta, weeknight dinner