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Hidden Veggie Bolognese

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Hidden Veggie Bolognese is a rich and comforting pasta sauce that blends finely chopped vegetables into a classic meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely grated
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or preferred type)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the grated carrot, zucchini, and chopped bell pepper, cooking for several minutes until softened.
  5. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  7. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring well to combine.
  8. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
  9. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  10. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  11. Drain the pasta and serve topped with the Bolognese sauce.
  12. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

  • Finely blending the vegetables before adding them can create a smoother sauce.
  • Mushrooms can be added for extra depth of flavor.
  • Lentils can replace meat for a vegetarian variation.
  • A splash of milk or cream can be added for a richer sauce.
  • The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/hidden-veggie-bolognese/