Description
This Hidden Veggie Bolognese is a flavorful and nutritious twist on the classic Italian pasta sauce, packed with finely chopped and grated vegetables to boost your daily intake without sacrificing taste. Made with lean ground beef or turkey and simmered slowly with tomatoes and herbs, this sauce is perfect served over your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 small zucchini, grated
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), finely chopped
Meat & Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Serving Suggestion
- Cooked pasta or spaghetti squash
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the grated carrot, chopped celery, grated zucchini, finely chopped mushrooms, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan. Use a spoon to break up the meat and cook for 7-8 minutes until it is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the broth and mix everything well.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
- Season and Finish: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
- Serve: Serve the bolognese sauce hot over cooked pasta or spaghetti squash for a wholesome and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Feel free to add other hidden veggies like finely shredded spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months—store in airtight containers for easy future meals.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, and add a splash of red wine while simmering for extra depth and flavor.
