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Simple Beef Bolognese Pasta with curly pasta and grated Pecorino in a red Dutch oven

Simple Beef Bolognese Pasta

  • Author: Savoreza
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Simple Beef Bolognese Pasta is a hearty pasta dinner with tender noodles, savory ground beef, sweet vegetables, crushed cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Pecorino Romano. It tastes slow simmered, but it stays simple enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pasta, such as nodi marini, mezzi rigatoni, or orecchiette
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
  • 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
  • 1 lb ground chuck beef
  • 2 14 ounce cans cherry tomatoes, crushed
  • 1/4 cup flat leaf Italian parsley, chopped
  • 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Chop the vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. You can also mince them by hand if you prefer a little texture.
  3. Soften the base: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables with a pinch of salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  4. Brown the beef: Add the ground chuck and break it into small crumbles. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, until no pink remains and the beef is browned in spots.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes, parsley, basil, black pepper, and more salt to taste. Simmer gently for 18 to 25 minutes, until thickened and glossy.
  6. Toss and finish: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water as needed, then finish with Pecorino Romano.

Notes

For the best texture, use a short pasta shape with curves or pockets so it catches the meat sauce. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the sauce freezes well for up to 2 months if stored separately from the pasta.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Cuisine: Italian American

Keywords: simple bolognese pasta

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Find it online: https://savoreza.com/simple-beef-bolognese-pasta/