Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese
My Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is a rich pasta sauce full of vegetables, tomatoes and lean beef mince. The ideal recipe for whipping up large batches and freezing portions for weeknight meals and busy days. It reheats well, maintaining its rich flavours and nutritional goodness. It’s one of those recipes that sometimes even tastes better the day after it is cooked. For a quicker meal, cook the spaghetti Bolognese sauce in less than an hour, but for a more intense flavour let it simmer for a couple of hours.
On a recent trip to Italy, the whole family joined a pasta cooking class. It was brilliant! Set in the Tuscany region on a farm in the middle of nowhere. A non-English speaking ‘Nonna’ was the instructor. It couldn’t have been more idyllic. We had lessons in pasta making, sauces (including Spaghetti Bolognese), the types of cheeses used in particular regions, amongst other things. It was so informative and authentic. Until this trip, I really didn’t have a full appreciation for fresh homemade pasta.
Pasta: Boil up any pasta shape, they all work well with the Bolognese sauce, however, I just can’t go passed spaghetti. Twirling and slurping, while usually messy, is always fun (especially for the kids)! To increase the health benefits of the dish, why not try wholewheat spaghetti or a gluten-free option? Or for an extra something special (if time permits) try my Homemade Pasta.
Vegetables: Adjust the Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe to use vegetables that are already in your fridge. These can include celery, spinach and sweet potato. A traditional vegetable combination is soffritto – an onion, celery and carrot mix.
Healthy Bolognese Serving Options
Traditional: Serve the Bolognese over spaghetti (or pasta of your choice) and top with grated parmesan and fresh basil.
Low carb option: Instead of spaghetti, serve the Bolognese sauce in lettuce cups and sprinkle with parmesan and basil. You now have a low carb meal in the palm of your hand.
Traditional Italian ragù alla bolognese is a meatier recipe, reduced to a rich, thick sauce over time. For a more traditional version try my Bolognese sauce with a healthy dose of spaghetti.
Feedback: After you cook this Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese, leave a comment to let me know how it was. Cheers, Elby!
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Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese
A rich tomato and beef pasta sauce, full of veggies. Serve with spaghetti, parmesan and fresh basil.
6
servings20
minutes50
minutes1
hour10
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 brown onion, finely diced
500 grams lean beef mince
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, grated
2 medium zucchinis, grated
3 tbsp tomato paste
400 grams tinned tomatoes, crushed
680 grams passata
2 cups beef stock
1 tsp oregano, dried
1 tbsp fresh basil
salt and pepper
1 tsp sugar (optional)
300 grams spaghetti
3 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
fresh basil, to garnish
Directions
- Heat oil in a large, deep pan and cook onion over medium high heat for 2 minutes or until soft.
- Add the mince and brown, stirring to break up the meat.
- Add the garlic, carrot and zucchini and cook, stirring, for a further 3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste until completely mixed through.
- Add the tomatoes, passata, beef stock and oregano. Simmer on low for 45 minutes or until reduced to desired consistency.
- Stir in one tablespoon of the fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste. If necessary, stir in one teaspoon of sugar (see Note 1).
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Serve immediately topped with the sauce, cheese and fresh basil to garnish.
If you’re after a more traditional version, try The BEST Bolognese recipe.
Notes
- Note 1: If the sauce requires a little more sweetness, add no more than one teaspoon of sugar. But be sure to taste the sauce before adding as it won’t always be necessary.