Introduction
Transform humble pantry staples into a rich, flavorful Bolognese sauce in under an hour! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort – because you deserve a break!
Why This Works
This Bolognese recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We use readily available ingredients and clever techniques to build a deep, complex sauce in a fraction of the traditional time. It’s the ultimate weeknight warrior dish!
Key Ingredients
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥕 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 🌿 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 🥩 1 pound ground beef
- 🥓 ½ pound ground Italian sausage
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🌿 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 🍃 1 bay leaf
- 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
5️⃣ Remove the bay leaf before serving. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve over your favorite pasta.
Handy Tips
- For even faster cooking, use pre-chopped vegetables.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking.
- A splash of red wine adds depth of flavor – about ½ cup.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer is key to developing the rich flavors of the Bolognese. High heat will cause the sauce to reduce too quickly and potentially burn. Low and slow is the way to go!
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on a smooth, rich sauce, you can add a bit of crunch by serving it over pasta with toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra depth, sauté the vegetables in a little olive oil before adding the meat.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- A tablespoon of tomato paste added at the beginning will deepen the color and flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight! Freeze for longer storage.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This Bolognese makes a fantastic homemade gift! Package it in a pretty jar with a handwritten label and a sprig of fresh herbs.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Mushroom Bolognese: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the vegetables.
🌟 Meatless Bolognese: Substitute the ground meat with 1 cup of lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
🌟 Creamy Bolognese: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too watery: Simmer uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid.
- Sauce too thick: Add a little water or broth to thin it out.
- Lacks flavor: Add more herbs, spices, or a splash of red wine.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of ground meat? Yes, feel free to experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meat and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- How can I make it ahead of time? Prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before serving. The flavor will actually improve!
- What kind of pasta pairs best? Spaghetti, tagliatelle, or pappardelle are all excellent choices.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, this Bolognese freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation.
Conclusion
This Speedy Bolognese is your new weeknight go-to! It’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable. Share this recipe with your friends and family – let’s make delicious, hassle-free dinners the norm! Enjoy!
30-Minute Bolognese: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and hearty Bolognese sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 500g ground beef
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 400g spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sautu00e9 for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Once the Bolognese sauce has thickened, serve it over the cooked spaghetti. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.