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–+ servings
Pumpkin Beef Bolognese

Hearty Pumpkin Beef Bolognese for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

A comforting twist on classic meat sauce featuring pumpkin flavor, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Choose any type you love
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Adds rich flavor
  • 1 medium Shallot Chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 stalk Celery Sliced
  • 2 cups Diced Pumpkin Opt for hokkaido or red kuri squash
  • 1 bulb Fennel Chopped
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Main protein; swap for ground pork or chicken if desired
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Sage
  • 1 tsp Marjoram
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 pinch Chili Flakes
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf
  • 1 15 oz can Purēed Tomatoes Base of the sauce
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Enhances sauce richness
For the Garnish
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme For garnish
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes For garnish
  • 1 Whipped Ricotta Optional topping

Equipment

  • large heavy-based saucepan
  • Dutch oven
  • pot for boiling pasta

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1 chopped shallot, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 sliced celery stalk. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
  2. Incorporate 2 cups of diced pumpkin, stirring well. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, then add 1 chopped fennel bulb and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  3. Increase the heat to high and introduce 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for about 10 minutes until browned.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of sage, 1 teaspoon of marjoram, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, a pinch of chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and toss in 1 bay leaf.
  5. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in 1 can of puréed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cover and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
  7. While the sauce simmers, cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions.
  8. Combine the cooked pasta with the Pumpkin Beef Bolognese sauce, tossing gently. Serve with a dollop of whipped ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh thyme and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow sauce to rest before combining with pasta for enhanced flavor. Adjust seasonings and sauce consistency as needed.

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