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–+ servings
Pumpkin Beef Bolognese

Delicious Pumpkin Beef Bolognese Perfect for Cozy Nights

This Pumpkin Beef Bolognese is a comforting and adaptable dish perfect for cozy nights with family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces pasta your favorite type, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil essential for sautéing
  • 1 cup diced shallots or yellow onion if preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 stalk celery diced; optional
  • 3 cups diced pumpkin Hokkaido or red kuri squash, or canned pumpkin purée
  • 1 bulb fennel chopped; optional
  • 1 pound ground beef or alternative protein
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh if available
  • 1 teaspoon sage or fresh if available
  • 1 teaspoon marjoram or fresh if available
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 pinch chili flakes to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth or chicken/vegetable broth
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 can purée tomatoes or diced tomatoes as substitute
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste for concentrated flavor
  • 1 cup ricotta optional, for creaminess

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add shallots, garlic, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until shallots are translucent.
  2. Stir in diced pumpkin and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened and golden.
  3. Add chopped fennel and stir-fry for another 3 minutes until tender and aromatic.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Cook for 10 minutes, breaking apart until browned.
  5. Stir in thyme, sage, marjoram, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Add beef broth and bay leaf. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Incorporate purée tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir and cover, simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Boil salted water in a pot and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  8. Serve pasta topped with Pumpkin Beef Bolognese sauce, and add whipped ricotta on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best texture, serve immediately after cooking and keep whipped ricotta fresh.

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