This easy Bolognese sauce recipe is simple enough for everyday and delicious enough to win you some extra love on Valentine’s Day. More than any other holiday, Valentine’s Day is a day where most everyone feels pressure to impress. Between cheesy jewelry commercials, pricey fixed menus at romantic restaurants and the sudden explosion of cupid decorations and heart-shaped boxed chocolates everywhere you look, it can be easy for you—and your wallet—to get caught up in Valentine’s Day fever. This delicious beef and mushroom bolognese recipe will help you impress your sweetie and keep you both satisfied so you don’t munch down too many chocolates.
What is bolognese? Bolognese, or ragù alla bolognese, is a meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. It is typically made with finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots, cooked with minced meat, such as beef or pork, and tomatoes, then simmered for a long time to develop a rich, savory flavor. It is commonly served with pasta, such as tagliatelle, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Bolognese is a traditional Italian meat sauce and mix it with your favorite pasta for a popular Italian dish. Think Lady and The Tramp. This dish from Northern Italy is sure to make for a romantic dinner on special occasions.
One of the best ways to show someone you love them is to cook them delicious food! A meal doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive to be absolutely delectable. Think about it; some of your favorite meals are probably the ones that came out of your grandmother’s or mom’s kitchen, made with nothing but basic ingredients and a whole lot of love. Homey classics like slow cooker pot roast or a favorite lasagna recipe have a tendency to stick in our minds for much longer than any meal from a restaurant ever will, so why not make a memorable Valentine’s Day dinner from the comfort of your own kitchen?
Easy Bolognese Sauce With Beef And Mushrooms Over Pasta
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious meal to feed your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, you absolutely can’t go wrong with a pasta recipe; remember the famous spaghetti and meatballs scene from Lady and the Tramp? Italian pasta dishes make the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day meals and they’re usually pretty simple to make, too. Choose saucy tomato recipes to add a pop of red that will make your dish extra festive.
A Bolognese sauce is an Italian meat sauce for pasta. It is from the region of Bologna and typically served on a hearty pasta that will hold up to the sauce so fettuccine works very well. This easy Bolognese recipe is so simple and yet so satisfying. This recipe was provided by Hunt’s® and you can find more of their recipes here.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Beef and Mushroom Bolognese Ingredients
- 6 ounces dry fettuccine pasta, uncooked (or spaghetti pasta)
- PAM® Olive Oil No-Stick Cooking Spray
- 1 pound ground ground beef (85% lean)
- ¾ chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 8 oz package sliced fresh button mushrooms
How To Make Bolognese Sauce
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt.
- Meanwhile, spray a large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add ground meat, onion and garlic salt; cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until beef is crumbled and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard all but 1 tablespoon drippings from the skillet.
- Add mushrooms and tomato paste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add undrained tomatoes; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir the cooked pasta into the beef laden tomato sauce; simmer 2 minutes more or until hot.
- Garnish the spaghetti bolognese with fresh grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tip: It’s easy to substitute ground turkey or ground chicken if you’re looking for an alternative to red meat but beef is more traditional for homemade bolognese sauce.
Easy Beef and Mushroom Bolognese Printable Recipe Card
Easy Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces dry fettuccine pasta, uncooked
- PAM® Olive Oil No-Stick Cooking Spray
- 1 pound ground round beef (85% lean)
- ¾ chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 8 oz package sliced fresh button mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons Hunt’s® Tomato Paste
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes, undrained
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt.
- Meanwhile, spray a large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, garlic salt and pepper; cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until beef is crumbled and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard all but 1 tablespoon drippings from the skillet.
- Add mushrooms and tomato paste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add undrained tomatoes; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in cooked pasta; simmer 2 minutes more or until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Serves: 6
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 371.86 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 19.28 g | 29.2% | |
| Saturated Fat 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Trans Fat 0.89 g | ||
| Cholesterol 53.68 mg | 17.7% | |
| Sodium 256.43 mg | 10.7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 30.81 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber 4.46 g | 16% | |
| Sugars 6.32 g | ||
| Protein 19.41 g | ||
| Vitamin A 3.84 % | Vitamin C 22.65 % | |
| Calcium 7.27 % | Iron 16.86 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Why You Will Love Bolognese
Bolognese sauce is beloved for several reasons:
- Rich Flavor: The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory sauce that is deeply satisfying.
- Versatility: Bolognese sauce can be used in various dishes, not just pasta. It’s great with polenta, used as a filling for lasagna, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
- Nutritional Value: It often contains vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots, providing vitamins and fiber. The meat adds protein, making it a well-rounded dish.
- Comfort Food: Bolognese is often associated with warmth and comfort, making it a popular choice for cold or rainy days.
- Easy to Make in Bulk: It can be made in large batches and frozen for later use, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Conclusion
Cooking together can be a bonding experience. Making a Bolognese sauce from scratch with a partner can be a fun and intimate activity. The rich aroma of the sauce as it simmers can be enticing and set a romantic mood. Sharing a meal that is hearty and satisfying can create a sense of closeness and comfort. Furthermore, Bolognese is a classic Italian dish, and Italian cuisine is often associated with romance and passion. Enjoying a glass of red wine with a homemade Bolognese can enhance the romantic atmosphere.
This easy Beef and Mushroom Bolognese from is a wonderful option for your Valentine’s Day dinner, as well as any busy weeknight. It can be prepared on your stovetop in just half an hour and tastes like it came straight out of a romantic Italian restaurant. Get the full restaurant experience at home with a leafy green salad and a side of hot toasted garlic bread for a delicious, budget-friendly and absolutely memorable meal.
Your taste buds will love this hearty, thick sauce. So much flavor and so satisfying. Do you think you will try this beef and mushroom pasta bolognese recipe this Valentine’s Day?
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One-Skillet Pork Chops Mushroom Cream Sauce
Chicken Florentine Casserole Recipe – restaurant flavor at home!
KC @ genxfinance says
Oh my, those are mouth-watering pasta recipes. I’m craving for it and I don’t think I can wait for Valentine’s Day anymore. I am going to make this classic bolognese sauce and serve with a pile of perfectly al dente pasta tonight!