Pasta Bolognese
A hearty, flavorful pasta Bolognese featuring ground beef, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 slice root celery or 2 stalks celery ⓘ
- 1 carrot ⓘ
- 4 oz. smoked ham ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 3 to 4 canned whole tomatoes or 3 Tbsp. tomato puree ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/3 c. white wine or chicken broth ⓘ
- 10 to 12 oz. spaghetti or other pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté ground beef in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the meat loses its pinkness, then transfer to a pan.
- Peel and chop the onion, then dice the celery and carrot.
- Chop the smoked ham into small pieces and sauté in remaining oil with the onion, celery, and carrot.
- Transfer the ham mixture to the pan with the ground meat and combine all ingredients.
- Add water, canned tomatoes or tomato puree, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, then add white wine or chicken broth and cook for a few more minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like pork or veal along with the beef. If you can't find smoked ham, diced pancetta or prosciutto can be great substitutes. Don’t skip the thyme, as it adds an aromatic depth to the sauce. This Pasta Bolognese can also be made ahead and allowed to marinate in flavors overnight, enhancing its taste. For a quicker option, check out Italian Tomato Meat Sauce for a simplified version.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Pasta Bolognese pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful touch. For a cozy dinner, try it alongside Dutch Oven Lasagna for a comforting Italian feast. A glass of red wine complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pasta Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Bolognese contains roughly 368 calories, with 8g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2132mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pasta Bolognese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pasta Bolognese actually tastes better when made ahead. You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before serving. This is a great dish for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner even on busy nights.
What type of pasta works best with Bolognese sauce?
While spaghetti is a classic choice, any pasta shape will work well with Bolognese sauce. Consider using pappardelle for a wide, hearty bite or rigatoni, which holds the sauce beautifully in its ridges. The key is to choose a pasta that can stand up to the rich meat sauce for a satisfying meal.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, using canned tomatoes is a convenient and flavorful option for Pasta Bolognese. Opt for high-quality whole canned tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for a rich sauce. If using puree, adjust the quantity to maintain the desired consistency. This method saves time while still delivering a delicious result in your Italian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).