Easy Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese with Hidden Veggies Recipe
This Easy Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese with Hidden Veggies is a nutritious and flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with finely chopped carrots, celery, and onions, this lean ground beef bolognese sauce is enriched with half and half for creaminess and served over your choice of pasta or vegetable noodles. It’s a delicious and wholesome meal that promises clean plates and happy diners!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots (130g)
- 2 medium celery stalks (100g)
- 1 large yellow onion (250g)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Dairy
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef (96/4)
- 1/2 cup half and half (120g)
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Other Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (15g)
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (24-oz.) jar good quality pasta sauce (we love Rao’s)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked pasta such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine, for serving (or substitute with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lower carb option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: Add the carrots, celery, and onions to a food processor and pulse several times until you achieve very fine pieces without turning them into mush. If you don’t have a food processor, finely dice the vegetables with a knife.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then add the finely diced carrots, celery, and onion mixture and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is no longer pink and fully browned.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the jar of pasta sauce and the half and half (cream) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients, allowing the sauce to heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the finished bolognese sauce over your favorite cooked pasta or vegetable noodle alternatives. Top with grated parmesan cheese and serve immediately for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free half and half substitute (such as almond or oat-based) or omit the cream altogether for a more traditional tomato-based sauce.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To freeze, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
