This Pumpkin Bolognese is a warm, comforting dish that brings together creamy pumpkin and hearty ground meat, all simmered in a tasty tomato sauce. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
I love serving it over pasta for a fun twist. Plus, who knew pumpkin could be such a star, right? Your taste buds will thank you, and the kitchen will smell amazing! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing vegetables, but you can use avocado oil or butter if you prefer a different flavor.
Ground Beef: A mix of beef and pork adds nice flavor, but you can also use ground turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Pumpkin Puree: Fresh pumpkin is fantastic if you have time to cook it, but canned pumpkin puree is super convenient and just as tasty.
Spices: Adding cinnamon gives a warm flavor that’s optional, but don’t skip the oregano and basil; they add depth to the sauce!
Fresh Sage: It adds a unique flavor, but if you can’t find it, try using thyme or rosemary instead.
How Can I Make Sure My Bolognese Sauce Is Full of Flavor?
Building flavor in your Bolognese is key! Start with sautéing the onion, garlic, and other vegetables until they are soft. This step creates a solid flavor base. Then, make sure your meat is well-browned to enhance its richness.
- Use medium heat for even cooking, and stir occasionally so nothing sticks.
- When adding the pumpkin and tomatoes, be sure to mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Letting it simmer allows the flavors to meld together. Be patient; the longer it cooks, the better it gets!
Enjoying this dish is all about balancing the flavors and enjoying the cooking process! Happy cooking!
How to Make Pumpkin Bolognese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage leaves, chopped (plus extra whole leaves for garnish)
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or pasta of your choice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pumpkin Bolognese takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 30-40 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour creating this comforting dish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté everything together until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will give the base of your sauce a delicious flavor!
2. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground meat to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, break it up as it cooks. Stir until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left!
3. Add the Pumpkin and Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add in the pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Your sauce is already starting to take shape!
4. Season the Sauce:
Add in the dried oregano, dried basil, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to mix all the flavors together.
5. Let It Simmer:
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan!
6. Cook the Pasta:
While the sauce is cooking, you can prepare your pasta. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti (or pasta of your choice) according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
7. Finishing Touches:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking the sauce, stir in the chopped fresh sage to add some aromatic flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, plate the cooked pasta and spoon generous amounts of the delicious pumpkin Bolognese sauce over it. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few whole sage leaves for that beautiful presentation!
Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to dig in! Enjoy your rich, comforting Pumpkin Bolognese with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian or lighter option.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, simply replace the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For the cheese, you can leave it out or use a vegan cheese alternative!
How Can I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bolognese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Sage?
No problem! You can use dried sage instead. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage as a substitute. Alternatively, thyme or rosemary will also work well for a different but tasty flavor profile.