Description
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional Bolognese with this Pumpkin Beef Bolognese recipe. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet pumpkin, and aromatic herbs creates a rich and satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 14 ounces pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots – finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 celery stalk – finely chopped
- 4 cups diced pumpkin – with skin, seeded (like hokkaido pumpkin/red kuri squash)
- 1 small or ½ large fennel bulb – trimmed and diced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- salt – to taste
- black pepper – to taste
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth – or chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups puréed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Whipped Ricotta (Optional):
- 5 tbsp ricotta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan
- salt – to taste
- black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, celery, pumpkin, and fennel. Cook until vegetables are softened.
- Add Beef and Spices: Add ground beef, thyme, sage, marjoram, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
- Simmer: Pour in broth, add bay leaf, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the pumpkin beef Bolognese over cooked pasta. Optionally, mix ricotta with olive oil, parmesan, salt, and pepper to make whipped ricotta for topping.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning and spice level to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- This Bolognese sauce can also be used as a filling for lasagna or stuffed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: pumpkin beef Bolognese, pasta recipe, savory sauce, hearty dinner, comfort food