Weeknight Bolognese

This weeknight bolognese is a quick and easy Italian meat sauce that is packed with flavor but takes way less time than a traditional bolognese.

Course Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 414kcal

Heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and beginning to brown.
Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme and red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute. Pour wine in to scrape up any brown bits. Add the tomato puree, tomato paste salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat, simmering for 10 minutes.
While sauce is simmering bring pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to directions.
With pasta cooking finish the sauce by adding the nutmeg, basil and cream. Drain pasta and add to sauce, stirring in Parmesan cheese. Top with some Parmesan and basil.

Use quality dry red wine that you’d be willing to drink. The flavor of the sauce comes from the wine. Chianti or Pinot Noir are best.
If using fresh herbs, triple the amount as it isn't as strong.
Cook the pasta until just al dente as it will cook more when tossing in sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan to finish the sauce. Never buy pre-shredded Parmesan cheese as it contains wood pulp. Blocks of Parmesan cheese are also cheaper.