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Pumpkin Beef Bolognese

Savory Pumpkin Beef Bolognese for Cozy Nights In

This Pumpkin Beef Bolognese is a heartwarming twist on a classic, combining comforting flavors for a delightful weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil essential for sautéing
  • 1 medium shallot chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 stalk celery finely chopped
  • 3 cups diced pumpkin Hokkaido or Red Kuri
  • 1 tablespoon fennel diced
  • 1 pound ground beef substitute with pork or chicken if desired
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste chili flakes adjust according to spice preference
  • to taste salt add gradually
  • to taste black pepper add gradually
  • 1 cup beef broth substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if desired
  • 1 leaf bay leaf remove before serving
  • 1 can puréed tomatoes for sauce base
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste consider adding a pinch of sugar for sweetness
  • to taste whipped ricotta optional topping
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice, like spaghetti or fettuccine

Equipment

  • large saucepan
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
  2. Sauté the chopped shallot, minced garlic, and finely chopped celery for about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the diced pumpkin and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Add diced fennel and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring well.
  5. Increase the heat to high and brown the ground beef for about 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in dried thyme, sage, marjoram, chili flakes, salt, black pepper, beef broth, and bay leaf, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Incorporate puréed tomatoes and tomato paste into the mixture and let the sauce simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
  8. While the sauce simmers, cook your choice of pasta al dente according to package instructions.
  9. Serve the sauce generously over the pasta, adding whipped ricotta and garnishing with chili flakes and fresh thyme.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavors; don't rinse your pasta after cooking to help the sauce stick. Adjust the sauce consistency with broth as needed.

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