• May 31, 2023
• 0 Comments
• 0 Likes
• 0 Save

Print Recipe

Speedy Bolognese Pasta

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of this rich red sauce that brings together a medley of ingredients. Ground beef, onion, and tomatoes unite harmoniously, while a touch of milk adds a delightful creaminess. Slowly simmered to perfection, this sauce is a culinary masterpiece that pairs exquisitely with any beloved pasta of your choice.

• 9 ingredients
• 1 hour and 5 minutes
• 4 Servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
3/4 pound lean ground beef (80-85% lean)
1 cup water
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium crushed or diced tomatoes, including liquid
1/4 cup low-sodium tomato paste
1 cup 2% milk
8 ounces pasta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion until it begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Push the onion to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the other side. Cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Once the beef is cooked, stir it together with the sautéed onion in the skillet.
5. Pour in the water, crushed or diced tomatoes (including the liquid), and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
7. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
8. After the sauce has simmered, pour in the milk and stir to incorporate it into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm the milk.
9. Serve the sauce over the cooked pasta. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Enjoy your flavorful pasta dish, enhanced by the richness of the red sauce and the gratifying touch of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Choose lean ground beef: Opting for lean ground beef with a lower fat content, such as 80-85% lean, helps create a healthier and less greasy sauce.

Use low-sodium ingredients: Using low-sodium crushed or diced tomatoes and tomato paste helps you control the sodium levels in the sauce. You can always adjust the seasoning later if needed.

Simmer for flavor development: Allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat for a good amount of time (around 20-30 minutes) helps the flavors meld together and intensify. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Grate fresh Parmesan cheese: Grating fresh Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a wonderful nutty and salty flavor to the dish. Consider using a microplane or fine grater for a fluffy, finely grated texture.

Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of water or simmer the sauce for a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more water or milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Garnish with fresh herbs: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top of the finished dish. This adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as desired. You can add a pinch of salt, black pepper, or other herbs and spices to enhance the flavors to your liking.

Serve and enjoy: Once everything is prepared and seasoned to your preference, serve the rich red sauce over the cooked whole wheat pasta and savor the delicious combination of flavors.

Nutrition Detail