Why You’ll Love this Hearty Homemade Bolognese
You’re going to absolutely love this Hearty Homemade Bolognese!
It’s rich, tasty, and perfect for any night. You get that incredible beef flavor mixed with sweet tomato puree.
Plus, it’s super easy to make! I always enjoy the smell filling my kitchen as it simmers.
Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a family favorite.
Get ready for a delicious dinner!
What Ingredients are in Hearty Homemade Bolognese?
When diving into the world of cooking, having the right ingredients is absolutely crucial to whipping up a delicious meal. With this Hearty Homemade Bolognese, you’ll want to gather your pantry staples and fresh produce so you can recreate that rich, comforting flavor that’s sure to impress any dinner guest or family member.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – just some hearty ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and vibrant tomato puree come together to create a sauce that rivals those fancy Italian restaurants. So, here’s what you need to gather for this delightful recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree (Progresso brand highly recommended)
- 2 tablespoons parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (8 ounce) package vermicelli or spaghetti
Now that you have your ingredients laid out, it’s time to consider a few points about them. For starters, using high-quality ingredients can make a world of difference.
If you’ve got fresh herbs hanging around in your fridge instead of dried ones, go ahead and use those – they’ll elevate the dish even more!
And about that tomato puree – opting for a brand you trust, like Progresso, can cut down on the guesswork when you’re aiming for that perfect sauce consistency and flavor.
Don’t sweat the small stuff too much. Whether it’s vermicelli or spaghetti, just pick the pasta that feels right for you on that day.
After all, it’s all about what makes your taste buds dance in delight! Happy cooking!
How to Make this Hearty Homemade Bolognese
Let’s dive into how to whip up this hearty homemade Bolognese that will make your kitchen smell as good as an Italian bistro!
First things first, grab 1 pound of ground beef. Sizzle it up in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat along with 1 chopped medium onion and 1 crushed garlic clove. This combo isn’t just for flavor; it’s the aromatic foundation that brings this dish to life. Just picture it: the beef browning, the onions softening, and the garlic becoming fragrant—heavenly, right?
Once you’ve browned the meat and the veggies, it’s time to drain the excess fat. Not the most glamorous step, but it’s a necessary evil to keep this sauce from becoming a greasy swimmer.
Now, let’s build those flavors! Stir in a 28-ounce can of tomato puree, a couple of tablespoons of parsley flakes, 1 tablespoon of sugar—yes, I said sugar (it balances the acidity of the tomatoes, so trust the process)—1 tablespoon each of dried oregano and basil, plus 2 teaspoons each of salt and pepper.
It may seem like a lot, but trust me, it all comes together beautifully. Bring that mixture to a boil, and then reduce heat. You want to cover it and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s this simmering magic that melds the flavors together, creating a savory sauce that makes your tastebuds do a happy dance.
Meanwhile, don’t forget about dinner. Cook and drain 8 ounces of vermicelli or spaghetti according to the package instructions. When everything is ready, it’s time to serve that luscious sauce over the pasta, and voilà—dinner is served! If you’re preparing large batches for a restaurant or catering business, consider investing in professional rice cookers to efficiently handle your grain preparation needs.
Hearty Homemade Bolognese Substitutions and Variations
After whipping up that scrumptious Bolognese sauce, it’s time to get creative with substitutions and variations!
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
Try adding chopped mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies!
Want a spicy kick? Toss in some crushed red pepper!
It’s all about customizing it to your taste! Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Hearty Homemade Bolognese
You might wonder what to serve with that delicious Hearty Homemade Bolognese sauce.
I love pairing it with a simple side salad. Just toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette!
Garlic bread is another favorite—spread butter on a baguette, sprinkle garlic powder, and toast it at 375°F for 10 minutes. So tasty!
Your family will absolutely adore these sides!
Final Thoughts
While you’re savoring that scrumptious homemade Bolognese, it’s easy to feel proud of what you’ve created!
This dish warms hearts and fills bellies, making family moments special. Just remember, it’s all about the love you put into it!
So, gather your ingredients, boil that spaghetti, and relish every delicious bite.
I can’t wait to hear how much your family loves it!
