Pasta Bolognese

Indulge in the irresistible taste of classic Italian cuisine with this hearty Pasta Bolognese. This timeless dish is renowned for its rich, comforting flavors and is perfect for dinner gatherings or a cozy family meal. With tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a luscious tomato-based sauce, this Pasta Bolognese is lovingly slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

🥬 3 stalks of celery
🥕 4 carrots
🧅 1 large onion
🧄 6 cloves garlic
🫒 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
🧈 2 tablespoons butter
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🍅 1 6oz can tomato paste
🥩 2 pounds of ground beef chuck
🐔 2 cups chicken stock
🍅 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
🌿 1 tablespoon oregano
🌶️ 1 teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
🧂 1/2 tablespoon salt
🧂 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🥛 1 cup heavy cream
🧀 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
🍝 1 lb Mezzi Rigatoni (boil according to package instructions)
🌿 Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley

Instructions

1- Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2- Prepare Vegetables:

• Place celery, carrots, onions, and garlic in a food processor.
• Pulse until finely minced.

3- Cook Vegetables:

• In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
• Add minced vegetables, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes until soft and translucent.

4- Add Tomato Paste:

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes until slightly darkened.

5- Brown the Beef:

• Add the ground beef chuck to the pot.
• Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.

6- Build the Sauce:

• Pour in the chicken stock and crushed tomatoes.
• Add oregano, chili flakes, 1/2 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• Stir well.

7- Bake in Oven:

• Bring the sauce to a boil.
• Cover with a lid and place in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 1 hour and 35 minutes, stirring halfway through.

8- Finish Bolognese:

• Remove pot from oven.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Return covered pot to oven for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring once halfway through.

9- Cook Pasta:

• Meanwhile, boil Mezzi Rigatoni according to package instructions.
• Drain well.

10- Combine and Serve:

• Toss the rigatoni with the rich Bolognese sauce.
• Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approx. 700 per serving
Proteins: 35g
Fats: 45g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Equipment: Large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, food processor

Cooking Tips:

• Finely blending vegetables ensures an even texture in the sauce.
• Slow-cooking in the oven enhances the flavors and richness.

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Pasta Bolognese