Description
This easy weeknight Bolognese sauce is rich, savory, and packed with comforting Italian-inspired flavors. A smooth tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned beef come together quickly for a satisfying pasta dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (800g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Handful fresh basil
- 1 lb (450g) beef mince
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Spaghetti or any other pasta shape
- Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic cloves, butter, salt, black pepper, sugar, and dried oregano to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the fresh basil, and blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the beef mince along with the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned.
- Reduce the heat and add the diced onion to the beef. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Pour the blended tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Stir well and simmer for 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over the pasta and top with parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream or milk to the sauce before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef mince.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The sauce freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
