This Quick Bolognese Sauce recipe is a breeze to whip up and pairs perfectly with any pasta variety! Learn how to make the best homemade bolognese sauce that is rich, hearty, and savory.
Bolognese sauce is also commonly referred to as ragù alla Bolognese in Italian.
Learn how to make the best bolognese sauce recipe that perfectly combines the classic flavor of bolognese with the added nutrition of zucchini.
I’m a huge fan of any homemade meat sauces, including this easy bolognese sauce. This recipe is one the easiest I have ever made, and the result is incredibly delicious.
So if you are looking for a quick and easy-to-make dinner recipe or want to try a new and interesting recipe, give this quick bolognese sauce recipe a try. I am sure that you are going to love it.
This particular recipe is an excellent option for busy weeknights as it can be easily frozen and reheated with great success, ensuring a convenient and delicious meal every time!
What Is Bolognese Sauce?
Bolognese sauce is a delicious Italian meat sauce that originates from the city of Bologna in Italy.
To make this savory sauce, ground beef (and sometimes pork) is cooked with onions, celery, and carrots until they become tender and flavorful.
Then, the meat is simmered in a tomato-based sauce that’s enriched with red or white wine, milk or cream, and a blend of herbs and spices, giving it a wonderfully rich and hearty flavor that’s hard to resist.
People adore serving Bolognese sauce with all kinds of pasta dishes like spaghetti or fettuccine, and it also makes a great topping for pizza or a scrumptious layer in lasagna.
Why Are You Going To Love This Bolognese Sauce Recipe
- Quick to make: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this recipe with ease!
- Healthy alternative: This recipe is the perfect alternative, as you can use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Kid-friendly recipe: Get your kids to eat their veggies with this tasty recipe that includes a variety of vegetables.
- Super versatile: This pasta sauce can be used as a pizza topping, as a filling for stuffed peppers, or as a dip.
- Perfect for any dietary needs: Not only is it delicious, but this recipe is also gluten-free and low-carb, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
- Ideal for meal prep: Save time by making this recipe ahead of time. You can always make a double batch and freeze the leftovers.
Ingredients Needed
This is one of my favorite recipes since it needs only a few easy-to-find ingredients. Here is a list of everything you will need:
- Olive Oil – you can replace it with any other vegetable oil.
- Onion – one medium onion that has to be finely chopped.
- Ground Beef – I used 85% lean meat to avoid a ton of fat once the meat was cooked. You can also add ground pork for even more flavor.
- Tomato Paste – adds color and a more intense tomato flavor to the sauce. It also naturally thickens the sauce.
- Canned Tomatoes – make sure that you read the label before buying them to avoid those that have added sugar. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes on hand, you can use diced tomatoes instead. The flavor will be the same, but the consistency may be slightly thinner.
- Garlic Powder – you can also replace it with 2 minced garlic cloves for an intense flavor.
- Oregano – gives a distinct and aromatic flavor to the bolognese sauce. For maximum flavor, you can try rubbing it between your palms.
- Basil – perfectly completes the rich and savory flavor of the meat and tomato sauce.
- Sweetener – helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and brings out the sauce’s sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper – to taste.
- Parmesan – to garnish.
How To Make Bolognese Sauce
Once you see how easy it is to prepare this bolognese sauce, you will want to make it over and over again for a quick and delicious dinner. Here are the instructions that you have to follow:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat and cook the chopped onion for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Add the ground beef and brown for about 10 minutes until no longer pink.
Add the seasonings and tomato paste and toss until well combined. I used a simple mix of oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. But you can use homemade Italian seasoning for even more flavor.
Now, add the canned tomatoes and whole milk or heavy cream. Simmer with a lid for about 10 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook the mixture for 10 more minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Top the zucchini noodles with sauce and sprinkle with a few tablespoons of parmesan shredded parmesan.
Best Seasonings For Bolognese Recipe
When cooking at home, remember that you can always adjust the seasonings to your liking. Start with a few seasonings, then add more as needed to reach the perfect taste.
- Bay leaves
- Dried Thyme
- Nutmeg
- Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
- Fennel seeds
- Worcestershire sauce
- Balsamic vinegar (for a touch of sweetness and acidity)
Best Pasta To Serve With
Bolognese sauce pairs best with wide and flat pasta noodles that can capture the rich meaty sauce.
- Pappardelle
- Tagliatelle
- Fettuccine
- Spaghetti
Tips and Variations
- Add some shredded parmesan to the bolognese sauce for a cheesy flavor.
- Feel free to add some mushrooms and bell pepper to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
- Stir occasionally while the sauce simmers to reduce the formation of any lumps or burning of the meat.
- Add 1/2 tbsp of red pepper chili flakes for a spicy bolognese sauce recipe.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: you can store your zoodles, separate from the sauce, in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You must store them separately to prevent the noodles from getting too soft and mushy.
- Freezer: place the leftovers in freezer bags, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: To reheat the dish, you can either use a stovetop or microwave. Stir the dish occasionally to ensure even heating. Once the dish is steaming hot, it’s ready to serve on your favorite pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Bolognese Sauce And Spaghetti Sauce?
While these sauces are super similar and based on tomato sauce, bolognese is made with celery, carrot, and some milk or cream for extra richness.
Can I Make This Recipe With Other Type Of Meat?
Sure, you can easily replace ground beef with turkey, pork, chicken, lamb, or even plant-based alternatives.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Sure, this keto zucchini bolognese noodles recipe is great for meal prep. First, make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge, then when you are ready to eat it, prepare the zucchini noodles and enjoy.
More Italian Recipes
Quick Bolognese Sauce
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 28 oz canned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp basil
- 2 tsp sweetener
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan to garnish to taste
- 4 medium zucchini or spaghetti
Instructions
- Prepare The Noodles
- Make your zucchini noodles using a spiralizer, mandoline, or vegetable peeler.
- Add them to a colander, and sprinkle with salt.
- Let them sit for 10 minutes to release any excess water.
- After 10 minutes, use a kitchen towel to squeeze out the remaining water.
- Cook The Noodles
- Heat one tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add the noodles and saute for 2-3 minutes until a little bit tender but still crunch.
- Make The Bolognese Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chopped onion for 2 minutes until tender.
- Add the ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add the seasonings and tomato paste and toss until well combined.
- Now, add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. Cover with a lid. Stir ocasionally.
- Remove the lid and let it cook for 10 more minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Top the zucchini noodles with sauce and sprinkle with shredded parmesan.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
