Description
This Hidden Veggie Bolognese is a wholesome and flavorful sauce that cleverly incorporates finely chopped and grated vegetables like carrot, zucchini, and mushrooms into a classic meat-based sauce. It is perfect for a nutritious family dinner or meal prep, serving as a comforting and hearty topping over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 1 small zucchini, finely grated
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Optional Toppings and Serving
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice, to serve
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop the base flavor.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, grated carrot, grated zucchini, and finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
- Brown the Meat: Push the cooked vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef or turkey. Cook it, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Stir the vegetables and meat together, then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the bolognese sauce over your cooked pasta of choice and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- You can also blitz the vegetables in a food processor for a smoother texture.
- To add more depth to the sauce, cook a splash of red wine after browning the meat before adding tomatoes.
