Beef and Vegetable Bolognese Recipe for Easy Dinners

Nothing quite beats the comforting, hearty flavors of a classic bolognese, but with a fresh twist that adds a burst of nutrition and color to your plate. This beef and vegetable bolognese recipe combines rich, tender ground beef with an array of vibrant vegetables, simmered slowly in a luscious tomato sauce.

It’s a perfect meal for weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something warm and satisfying yet wholesome. The vegetables not only boost the flavor and texture but also make the dish more balanced and nutritious without compromising on the traditional Italian taste you love.

Whether served over your favorite pasta, polenta, or even spiralized veggies, this recipe is versatile and sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without anyone noticing!

Keep reading to discover why this recipe is a must-try, detailed instructions to make it effortlessly at home, and helpful tips to customize it to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and vegetable bolognese is a delicious blend of rich meatiness and fresh garden flavors. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation:

• Balanced and nutritious: Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers increases fiber and vitamins, making it a wholesome meal.
• Deep, comforting flavor: Slow cooking allows the beef and veggies to meld perfectly with aromatic herbs and spices.
• Flexible serving options: Delicious over spaghetti, penne, or even creamy mashed potatoes for a twist.
• Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps deliver a gourmet taste without fuss.
• Great for leftovers: The sauce tastes even better the next day, ideal for meal prepping.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Pot for boiling pasta (if serving with pasta)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and finely dice the onion, carrot, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.
2. Heat olive oil: Place your skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and bell pepper: Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Brown the ground beef: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Incorporate zucchini and tomato paste: Add the diced zucchini and tomato paste, stirring well to coat the ingredients and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
6. Deglaze with red wine: Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
7. Add crushed tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix in dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.
8. Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors meld beautifully. For a richer taste, simmer up to 1 hour.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
10. Serve: Spoon the beef and vegetable bolognese over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper umami flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a small piece of Parmesan rind while simmering the sauce.”

• Vegetable additions: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies like zucchini noodles.
• Slow cooker option: Brown the beef and sauté veggies, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of your favorite chili powder spice blend for some heat. For an excellent homemade spice mix, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms and check out Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals for plant-based inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and vegetable bolognese pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Classic spaghetti or tagliatelle pasta tossed with a little olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan for a timeless Italian dinner.
• Creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a cozy, comforting plate.
• Spiralized zucchini or other vegetable noodles for a lighter, low-carb option.
• Crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the rich sauce.

For more delicious pasta inspirations, don’t miss our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals and Baked Lasagna Recipe Vegetarian Sanjeev Kapoor Delight that offer fantastic vegetarian alternatives.

Conclusion

This beef and vegetable bolognese recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with an added nutritional boost. The medley of vegetables enriches the sauce with color, texture, and vitamins, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Its straightforward preparation and flexibility make it ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.

Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dish to warm you up, this recipe will deliver bold flavors and comfort in every bite. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables or spices to tailor it perfectly to your taste.

And if you’re interested in exploring more vegetable-focused meals, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for endless inspiration.

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