Pasta Bolognese(Kids In The Kitchen)
A hearty and kid-friendly pasta dish with rich tomato sauce, seasoned with basil and oregano, perfect for family dinners and satisfying hungry appetites.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground sirloin or ground beef
- 1 lb. spaghetti or ziti, cooked according to pkg. directions ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Saute over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and saute 2 minutes more.
- Add crushed tomatoes or tomato puree to the skillet. Add dried basil leaves and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Cook, covered, on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground sirloin with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can also be used instead of dried for a fresher taste. Pairing this dish with Italian Slaw Dressing can elevate the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Pasta Bolognese with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil on top. A side salad or garlic bread complements this dish well. For a fun twist, pair it with Cloister Creek's Spaghetti Salad to explore different textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out and warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Bolognese(Kids In The Kitchen) contains roughly 1810 calories, with 20g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 783mg per serving (34% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bolognese sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving and cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Pasta Bolognese, simply omit the meat and add chopped mushrooms and lentils for protein. You can also enhance the sauce with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
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).