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Pumpkin Beef Bolognese

Savory Pumpkin Beef Bolognese for Ultimate Comfort Food

Delight in the comforting flavors of Pumpkin Beef Bolognese, a heartwarming dish that combines tender pumpkin and savory beef for a unique twist on classic meat sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta Any type you prefer.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for sautéing.
  • 2 medium Shallots Finely chopped.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 cup Celery Finely chopped.
  • 4 cups Diced Pumpkin Can substitute with pumpkin purée.
  • 1 medium Fennel Bulb Sliced.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground pork or chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Sage
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes Adjust to spice preference.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf
  • 28 ounces Puréd Tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
For Serving
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Thyme For garnish.
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta Optional.
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Optional.

Equipment

  • large saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until shimmering.
  2. Add finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
  3. Stir in diced pumpkin and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the pumpkin starts to soften.
  4. Add sliced fennel bulb and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring well.
  5. Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle in dried thyme, sage, marjoram, chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and toast for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Pour in beef broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and lower the heat, cooking for about 10 minutes.
  8. Stir in puréd tomatoes and tomato paste, cover the pot, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
  9. While the sauce simmers, boil your pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
  10. Serve the drained pasta topped with Pumpkin Beef Bolognese, and add ricotta and fresh thyme for garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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