Weeknight Bolognese
There is something so comforting about a bowl full of pasta topped with a hearty meat sauce. I have always enjoyed pasta but as an adult I enjoy it even more when paired with a vibrant glass of red wine. Throw in a side of garlic bread and I am in heaven!
This month, through the Secret Recipe Club, I was assigned Ashley’s blog Kitchen Meets Girl. I was immediately intrigued by her diverse recipes and gorgeous photos. I was torn between making this Bolognese dish, her Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers and her Jalapeno Popper Turkey Chili.
I opted to make the Weeknight Bolognese because I was craving a pasta dish. I consider pasta more of a treat which means I don’t have it very often. As Ashley indicated, this dish can go from your kitchen to table in 45 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dish. I threw in a handful of chopped peppers to sneak some veggies into the sauce. Other than that, I followed the original recipe.
I think this recipe would also be great to make and freeze to use at a later date. I love freezer friendly meals!
Kitchen Meets Girl used a recipe from Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That/Food Network
Weeknight Bolognese
Yield: 4-5 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
A simple hearty meal for your busy weeknight schedule.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons good olive oil, plus extra to cook the pasta
1 pound lean ground sirloin
4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/4 cups dry red wine, divided
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound dried pasta, such as orecchiette or small shells
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for servingDirections:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat has lost its pink color and has started to brown. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. Pour 1 cup of the wine into the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt, a splash of oil, and the pasta, and cook according to the directions on the box.
While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce. Add the nutmeg, basil, cream, and the remaining 1/4 cup wine to the sauce and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. When the pasta is cooked, drain and pour into a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan and toss well. Serve hot with Parmesan on the side.



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Miz Helen — January 14, 2013 @ 12:40 PM
Hi Wendy,
Your Bolognese looks wonderful, simple and delicious. This is a great recipe for the SRC, and thanks for sharing.
Miz Helen
Heather@Join Us, Pull up a Chair — January 14, 2013 @ 12:54 PM
I love quick easy recipes to make during the week and maybe I can get my husband to enjoy spaghetti more often! Great cooking with you in the SRC!
danielle — January 14, 2013 @ 1:00 PM
I love a good bolegnese and great glass of red wine to accompany it as well.
SeattleDee — January 14, 2013 @ 1:51 PM
This Bolognese sounds like a winner; quick enough for a weeknight meal, full of flavor, and a bunch left over to freeze.
colleen @ Secrets from the Cookie Princess — January 14, 2013 @ 2:00 PM
Yum! Looks delicious.
Shelley C — January 14, 2013 @ 2:14 PM
That bolognese looks hearty and filling and delicious while still being relatively simple for a weeknight – how perfect is that?? Great choice!
Jeanie — January 14, 2013 @ 9:35 PM
Well, now you’ve got me craving pasta:).
Lisa — January 15, 2013 @ 4:49 AM
I opened your page and my eyes popped out of my head. That is textbook, perfect bolognese. Eating with my eyes and enjoying it very much. I’ll have seconds, please.
Jersey Girl Cooks — January 15, 2013 @ 11:44 AM
I love Bolognese. It is one of my pasta favorites. Really good with tortellini too.
Kate | Food Babbles — January 15, 2013 @ 9:01 PM
I love freezer friendly meals too! And bolognese is definitely one of my favorite kinds of sauces. Something about all that lovely ground meat that makes it such a filling, comforting meal. Yum!
Kirstin — January 15, 2013 @ 9:20 PM
YUM! I’m marking this!!! I’m a fellow SRC member, group D