Bolognese with Mushrooms recipe

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:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2️⃣ Cook the Meat and Mushrooms:

  1. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  2. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.

3️⃣ Build the Sauce:

  1. Add the tomato paste to the pan, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Pour in the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine reduce slightly.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4️⃣ Simmer the Bolognese:

  1. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

5️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

  1. While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

6️⃣ Combine and Serve:

  1. Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  2. 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

  1. Enhance Flavor: Use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or portobello for deeper flavor.
  2. Make Ahead: The sauce tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
  3. 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!

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