Description
Pumpkin Beef Bolognese is a delightful twist on the classic pasta dish, where hearty ground beef and sweet pumpkin combine for a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 ounces pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots – finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 celery stalk – finely chopped
- 4 cups diced pumpkin – with skin
- seeded (like hokkaido pumpkin/red kuri squash)
- 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
- salt – to taste
- black pepper – to taste
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth – or chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups puréed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme – for serving
- 1 tbsp chili flakes – for serving
- 5 tbsp ricotta (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for whipped ricotta)
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan (for whipped ricotta)
- salt – to taste (for whipped ricotta)
- black pepper – to taste (for whipped ricotta)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, garlic, and celery, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the pumpkin and fennel, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the pumpkin starts to soften.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Season with thyme, sage, marjoram, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf, simmering the sauce for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Stir in the puréed tomatoes and tomato paste to the beef and pumpkin sauce, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme, chili flakes, and whipped ricotta if desired.
Notes
For an extra creamy touch, add whipped ricotta on top of the served dish. Adjust the spice level according to your preference with chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1½ cups with pasta)
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Beef Bolognese, ground beef, pumpkin recipe, pasta dish, hearty meals