Spaghetti Bolognese with Lean Ground Beef and Whole Wheat Pasta
Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting, timeless dish cherished by families around the world. By choosing lean ground beef and whole wheat pasta, you can enjoy a lighter version of this classic recipe without compromising on flavour. Follow these steps for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 400g whole wheat spaghetti
- 500g lean ground beef (5-10% fat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 400g can chopped tomatoes (or passata)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 150ml beef stock (low-sodium if possible)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Optional Additions
- Red wine (about 100ml) for a richer sauce
- Chilli flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water, then stir in the whole wheat spaghetti.
- Cook according to the package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside. If desired, toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery, stirring regularly.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Brown the Lean Ground Beef
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the saucepan.
- Break the beef into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula, distributing it evenly amongst the vegetables.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the beef is browned and most of the moisture has evaporated. Drain any excess fat if necessary (lean ground beef usually requires minimal draining).
4. Add Flavour and Sauce
- Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil, mixing well with the browned beef and vegetables.
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or passata), tomato paste, and beef stock.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, pour in about 100ml red wine at this stage and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. A teaspoon of sugar can help counteract the acidity of the tomatoes.
5. Simmer and Thicken
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
- Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavours to develop and the sauce to thicken.
- If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of water or beef stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
6. Combine and Serve
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
- Plate the whole wheat spaghetti and ladle the Bolognese sauce on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added colour and aroma.
- For extra richness, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top (optional).
Tips for an Even Better Spaghetti Bolognese
- Cook in Advance: Bolognese sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavours have more time to meld. Feel free to make the sauce in advance and reheat.
- Use Quality Tomatoes: High-quality chopped tomatoes or passata can significantly enhance the flavour of your sauce.
- Keep It Healthy: Lean ground beef helps reduce saturated fat. Whole wheat pasta offers extra fibre and a slight nutty taste, complementing the robust sauce.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add chilli flakes or a small spoonful of harissa paste.
- Adjust the Texture: For a smoother sauce, use a hand blender to briefly puree half of the vegetables before adding the beef, or blend the tomatoes themselves before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Spaghetti Bolognese pairs beautifully with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s also an excellent meal on its own, especially when you top it with fragrant herbs and a touch of cheese.
Enjoy your hearty Spaghetti Bolognese with Lean Ground Beef and Whole Wheat Pasta, knowing that you’re savouring a balanced combination of protein, fibre, and rich flavours.