Monday, January 14, 2013

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!

Weeknight Bolognese 1 La_Phemme_Phoodie

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!

Weeknight Bolognese 2 La_Phemme_Phoodie

Kitchen Meets Girl used a recipe from Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That/Food Network

Print

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 serving

Directions:

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.




Pin It!
 

11 Responses to “Weeknight Bolognese”

  1. 1

    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

  2. 2

    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!

  3. 3

    danielle — January 14, 2013 @ 1:00 PM

    I love a good bolegnese and great glass of red wine to accompany it as well.

  4. 4

    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.

  5. 5

    colleen @ Secrets from the Cookie Princess — January 14, 2013 @ 2:00 PM

    Yum! Looks delicious.

  6. 6

    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!

  7. 7

    Jeanie — January 14, 2013 @ 9:35 PM

    Well, now you’ve got me craving pasta:).

  8. 8

    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. :)

  9. 9

    Jersey Girl Cooks — January 15, 2013 @ 11:44 AM

    I love Bolognese. It is one of my pasta favorites. Really good with tortellini too.

  10. 10

    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!

  11. 11

    Kirstin — January 15, 2013 @ 9:20 PM

    YUM! I’m marking this!!! I’m a fellow SRC member, group D

Leave a Comment