Description
Experience the comforting flavors of Pumpkin Beef Bolognese, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. This hearty meat sauce pairs ground beef with tender pumpkin chunks, creating a rich and satisfying meal ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Topped with creamy ricotta and fresh herbs, this vibrant dish will not only delight your taste buds but also brighten up your table. Whether served over your favorite pasta, polenta, or even as a filling for lasagna, this comforting recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 ounces pasta
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 4 cups diced pumpkin
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed and diced
- 1.75 cups beef broth
- 3 cups puréed tomatoes
- 5 tbsp ricotta cheese
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add shallots, garlic, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced pumpkin and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add fennel and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Increase heat to high and add ground beef; break it apart slightly. Lower heat back to medium and cook for about 10 minutes until browned.
- Mix in thyme, sage, marjoram, chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth with a bay leaf and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add puréred tomatoes and tomato paste; cover and simmer for another 10 minutes until the pumpkin is tender.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Serve topped with Pumpkin Beef Bolognese sauce and dollops of ricotta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing/Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg