Spaghetti bolognese with carrots, celery and nutmeg
Spaghetti Bolognese features a rich, hearty sauce made with ground beef, carrots, celery, and a hint of nutmeg for depth. This comforting dish combines sautéed vegetables and a simmered tomato sauce, served over pasta.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 onion
2 carrots
1 stalk celery
2 garlic cloves
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 can canned tomato paste
2 cans canned tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
18 oz pasta
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of ground beef with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices. In this version, we incorporate the sweetness of carrots, the earthy flavor of celery, and a hint of nutmeg to create a deeply satisfying sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Cook until the beef is browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to integrate it with the beef.
- Add the canned tomatoes, dried oregano, ground nutmeg, and brown sugar to the beef mixture. Stir well.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of water and mix until well combined.
- Season with a dash of salt and a dash of black pepper (adjust to taste).
- Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together. If needed, add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency.
- While the sauce is simmering, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water and then add the pasta.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce over the pasta as desired.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
With its delicious combination of tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices, this Spaghetti Bolognese is both comforting and flavorful. By following the tips provided, you’ll be able to create a dish that not only tastes amazing but also brings a touch of Italian cuisine to your table. Serve it with a side salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal that will please any crowd.
Spaghetti bolognese with carrots, celery and nutmeg FAQ:
Simmer the Bolognese sauce for at least 30 minutes on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together. You can simmer longer if you have the time, but 30 minutes will still yield a delicious result.
This recipe uses spaghetti, which is traditional for Bolognese. However, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni if you prefer.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, and you may need to adjust seasoning for taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes as a substitute. Use about 1/3 cup of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes to replace 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
Tips:
- Dice the vegetables finely to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the sauce.
- Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft and starting to caramelize to develop deeper flavors.
- Use a mix of ground beef with 80/20% fat content to achieve a juicy and flavorful sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The longer, the better.
- Add a dash of salt and black pepper gradually, tasting as you go to ensure the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more water to reach the desired consistency.
- Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, as it will continue to cook once mixed with the hot sauce.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 610kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 80g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 13g
Fat 22g
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