Print

Pumpkin Beef Bolognese

Print Recipe

A warm and hearty Pumpkin Beef Bolognese, perfect for cozy fall evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 ounces pasta (spaghetti, tagliatelle, or pappardelle)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 shallots (finely chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
  • 4 cups diced pumpkin
  • 1 small or ½ large fennel bulb (trimmed and diced)
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried marjoram
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • 1.75 cups beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cups puréed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Fresh thyme (for serving)
  • Chili flakes (for serving)
  • 5 tbsp ricotta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for finishing)
  • 1 tbsp grated parmesan

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Always save a cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and celery. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Incorporate the Spices: Sprinkle in the thyme, sage, marjoram, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pumpkin Time: Add the pumpkin and fennel, stirring well. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  6. Add Liquid Gold: Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
  7. The Tomato Component: Stir in the puréed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
  8. Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning as necessary.
  9. Plating It Up: Drain your pasta and either add it to the sauce or spoon the sauce over the pasta on plates.

Notes

For variations, try using lentils for a vegetarian option or adding spinach for extra greens. This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bolognese, Pumpkin, Fall Recipe, Italian, Comfort Food, Hearty Pasta

Find it online: https://platefulkitchen.com/one-pan-autumn-pumpkin-beef-bolognese/