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Healthy Beef Bolognese Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

This Healthy Beef Bolognese is a rich and flavorful Italian classic made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices. Slow-simmered to develop deep flavors, this hearty sauce is perfect served over pasta or your favorite low-carb alternative for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 cup onion (diced)
  • 1 cup carrot (grated or shredded)
  • 1 cup celery (diced)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)

Meat

  • 2 pounds ground beef

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 cup milk (or unsweetened coconut milk)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 56 ounces tomatoes (fresh or canned)

Oils and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • ⅓ cup tomato paste
  • 2 ½ teaspoons sea salt (plus more to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy pot or pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, grated carrot, and diced celery, cooking for 5–7 minutes and stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn it.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the beef loses its pink color and browns lightly in some areas.
  4. Cook Tomato Paste: Push the beef mixture aside to expose the bottom of the pot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the tomato paste. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and develops a richer aroma, then mix it thoroughly with the beef and vegetables.
  5. Add Milk: Pour in the milk or unsweetened coconut milk. Simmer for 2–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until much of the liquid is absorbed or cooked off.
  6. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, 2 ½ teaspoons of sea salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
  8. Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef reduces fat content and makes the dish healthier.
  • Simmering the sauce for at least one hour allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken perfectly.
  • The use of tomato paste cooked in oil enhances the umami flavor of the sauce.
  • Milk or coconut milk adds creaminess and balances acidity in the tomatoes.
  • This sauce freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/healthy-beef-bolognese-recipe/