Healthy Beef Bolognese

Whole New Mom - https://wholenewmom.com

Course: Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: beef bolognese recipe, bolognese sauce, healthy beef bolognese, healthy bolognese sauce

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 1 15

Total Time: 1 35

Servings:

Calories: 336kcal

This healthy beef bolognese is a rich, hearty meat sauce made with beef, vegetables, tomatoes, browned tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce for deep savory flavor.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 cup onion (diced)
1 cup carrot (grated or shredded)
1 cup celery (diced)
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
2 pounds ground beef
⅓ cup tomato paste
1 cup milk (or unsweetened coconut milk)
56 ounces tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 ½ teaspoons sea salt (plus more to taste; you may ultimately land around 3 teaspoons total)
2 teaspoons black pepper
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot or pan over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef. Break it into small pieces and cook until it has lost its pink color and has browned lightly in places.
Push the beef mixture aside enough to expose part of the bottom of the pot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the tomato paste. Cook the tomato paste for 2–3 minutes, stirring it in the oil, until it darkens and develops a richer aroma. Stir it into the beef and vegetables.
Add the milk or coconut milk. Simmer for 2–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until much of the liquid has been absorbed or cooked off.
Add the tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, 2½ teaspoons salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and oregano. Stir well.
Bring just to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
Taste and add additional salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

For dairy-free Bolognese, use unsweetened coconut milk in place of milk.
Freezing: Let the Bolognese cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition