I would like to share with you my take on a classic Pasta Bolognese which really goes down a treat no matter what day of the week!
This is actually quite quick and convenient to make with not a long prep or cook time! If you dont have the time to use stock, you can always forego a can of tomato’s and use a jar of simple tomato pasta sauce.
I usually cook this on a week night when back in from work as it has a simple set of ingredients that 9 times out of ten you will have kicking around in your cupboards or pantry!
Benji’s Pasta Bolognese!
Course: Main, DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
400g (14oz) beef mince
1 White/Brown onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, Finely chopped
100g (3½oz) carrot, grated
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
400ml (14fl oz) stock (made from a stock cube—beef stock is ideal, but any will do)
400g (14oz) dried Rigatoni
Salt and pepper (To taste)
2 Tablespoons of Bisto Gravy granules (Any brand will do)
1 Tablespoon of Oregano
1/2 a Teaspoon of Cumin
Directions
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then the beef mince. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the mince until well browned (it should be a rich dark brown color). Once browned, transfer the mince to a bowl and set it aside.
- In the same saucepan, add another tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium. Add the diced onions and a pinch of salt. Fry gently for 5-6 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 2 minutes
- Stir in the grated carrot, then return the cooked mince (along with any juices) to the saucepan.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and mix well
- Add the stock, bring to a simmer, and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 35 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes rich. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed
- Meanwhile, cook the Rigatoni according to the packet instructions in a large saucepan of salted water
- Once the Rigatoni is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the Bolognese sauce. Mix everything together well
- Serve your delicious Spaghetti Bolognese with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and perhaps a side of garlic bread.
Notes
- You can prepare the bolognese sauce in advance and freeze it. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-proof container—it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months
