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Pumpkin Beef Bolognese

Comforting Pumpkin Beef Bolognese That Will Warm Your Heart

This Pumpkin Beef Bolognese is a hearty comfort dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Pasta Choose any pasta shape you adore for the base.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable or canola oil.
  • 1 medium Shallots Yellow onion works too if you're out of shallots.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic cloves for best taste.
  • 1 stalk Celery Can be omitted if not available.
  • 4 cups Diced Pumpkin Can substitute with 3 cups of pumpkin purée.
  • 1 tsp Fennel Celery seed can be a replacement.
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground pork or chicken.
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Adjust amount if using fresh herbs.
  • 1 tsp Sage Adjust amount if using fresh herbs.
  • 1 tsp Marjoram Adjust amount if using fresh herbs.
  • 1-2 tsp Chili Flakes Adjust according to heat preference.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used for a milder taste.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf
  • 28 oz Pureed Tomatoes Canned or homemade acceptable.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Improves sauce consistency.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Optional for serving; can be substituted with cream cheese.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme For garnish.
  • 1-2 tsp Chili Flakes For garnish.

Equipment

  • large saucepan
  • Dutch oven
  • pot for pasta

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add chopped shallot, minced garlic, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the Pumpkin: Stir in diced pumpkin and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
  3. Incorporate Fennel and Beef: Add fennel seeds and cook for 3 minutes, then add ground beef and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.
  4. Spice it Up: Stir in dried thyme, sage, marjoram, chili flakes, and smoked paprika. Toast spices for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the Broth and Simmer: Add beef broth and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
  6. Combine Tomatoes and Final Simmer: Stir in pureed tomatoes and tomato paste. Cover and simmer for 10 more minutes.
  7. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Plate pasta and top with bolognese. Add ricotta and garnish with fresh thyme and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Ensure to sauté the aromatics well for rich flavors. Consider adding red wine for depth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

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