Introduction
A comforting bowl of pasta is always a crowd-pleaser, and this Bolognese with Mushrooms adds an earthy twist to the classic Italian dish. The combination of tender mushrooms and a rich meat sauce creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2️⃣ Cook the Meat and Mushrooms:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
3️⃣ Build the Sauce:
- Add the tomato paste to the pan, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine reduce slightly.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Simmer the Bolognese:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed.
5️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
6️⃣ Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Bolognese with Mushrooms with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- For a low-carb option, serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Tips for the Best Mushroom Bolognese
- Enhance Flavor: Use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or portobello for deeper flavor.
- Make Ahead: The sauce tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~6g
Conclusion
This Bolognese with Mushrooms is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, combining the hearty richness of a meat sauce with the earthy flavor of mushrooms. It’s versatile, comforting, and utterly satisfying—perfect for any occasion. Serve it up with your favorite pasta and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!