Simple Bolognese

Sometimes at the end of a long day all I need is a big bowl of pasta. I try to make homemade pasta when I can but sometimes that just doesn’t happen. But either way this bolognese is sure to bring a happy family together around the table. Every time I make it there’s some kind of happy dance going on from the boys, along with a lot of messy faces! It’s just the best!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 medium red onion, peeled
• 5-6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 carrots, peeled
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 parmesan rind
• 1/2 cup fresh herbs, minced (parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• salt and black pepper
• 1 lb. favorite pasta (I prefer homemade if possible)

Directions

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat with a little bit of olive oil. When the pan is hot add in the ground beef and start to brown to meat. Season with salt and black pepper, breaking it up with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.

While the meat is browning in a food processor with a metal blade attachment, add in the red onions, garlic and carrots. Pulse together until finely chopped. Once the meat is almost browned through, remove from the pan and add in the finely chopped vegetables along with the mushrooms. Season again with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-10 minutes until they start to soften. Add the meat back in along with the red wine. Scraping the bottom of the pan. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs and parmesan rind. Bring it up to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

While the sauce is simmering away, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. In the last 5-10 minutes of the sauce cook the pasta until al-dente. Finish the sauce with heavy cream and let it go for another couple minutes stirring until it’s thick and rich.

When you’re ready to serve. Drain the pasta, stir pasta into the sauce or plate some of the pasta onto serving plates and then spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs! Enjoy with a little garlic bread and maybe a glass of red wine! Enjoy!