Pasta with Easy Bolognese
This medley of savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and sweet/tangy tomatoes creates the most amazing, robust sauce for pasta. It’s savory, sweet, floral, and nutty. It’s basically the only meat sauce recipe you will ever need.
I used Italian seasoning in this recipe because it’s a one-stop-shop for flavor. Italian seasoning is a convenient and well-balanced, salt-free blend of basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and thyme (different brands vary, but that’s the gist). If desired, you can replace the Italian seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon each of the herbs listed above.
This recipe is great for busy weeknight or weekend! This amazing meal is a quick-cook’s friend because it simmers for less than 20 minutes. Traditional Bolognese sauce cooks for much longer, often 4 to 5 hours. Feel free to cook your sauce as long as desired; the flavors will simply get better and evolve over time.
This is a great sauce to make in advance because it stores quite well when refrigerated and frozen. To make the sauce in advance, prepare it as directed and then let it cool. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. I suggest you double the recipe below and keep a batch in the freezer at all times!
Pasta with Easy Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne, or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion, any color
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- Shredded parmesan cheese for serving
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for serving
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add the Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, until the herbs are fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the pasta to individual plates or shallow bowls and top with the Bolognese sauce. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley and serve.