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This Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce is a great way to quickly get dinner on the table. Serve over zoodles for a healthy and hearty Paleo meal!
This sauce is inspired my father’s spaghetti sauce. Growing up in the South, the only pasta I ever had was spaghetti with meat sauce. After moving up North I was introduced to so many wonderful Italian dishes, and none of them really tasted like the “spaghetti” that I grew up eating.
My kids request that my dad make this for them when they visit North Carolina. They call it, “Big Daddy Spaghetti”. Yes, they call my father Big Daddy…
Anyway, sometimes I long for a simple Bolognese sauce. I like that it's packed with protein, and it’s a good one to serve over spaghetti squash or zoodles. I also use this recipe in my Grain Free Eggplant Lasagna:
My favorite thing about this sauce is that it is quick and easy. If you are really in a hurry, (or just lazy that night), you could sub in a jar of your favorite marinara for the tomato sauce, red wine, salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. I like Rao’s, it’s delicious and pretty clean. I would still finish the Bolognese off with the fresh basil.
Enjoy!
I love adding a whole, unprocessed and healthy twist to classic recipes. My food is often grain-free, usually gluten-free, and always unprocessed.
This looks like one hearty and delicious bolognese sauce. Perfect for the col weather right now!
I am doing a whole 30. Would this be good if I omit the wine? Should I sub something else for it?
Hi Ali, you could sub beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar, or just use the Rao's sauce.
Thank you! I made this tonight using 1/2 cup beef broth plus 1 T. balsamic vinegar instead of the red wine. It is SO good!
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it!
Can you use rabbit instead of beef ?
Hi Sue, Usually rabbit sauces are braised. This is a quick stove top dish, and I'm not sure how the rabbit would be with a short cooking time. If you wanted to make this with rabbit I would suggest to make it as directed, in an oven-proof pot with a lid (Dutch oven), then stir in 1 cup of water and braise covered in a 325 degree oven for 60-90 minutes. Stir occasionally, and add more water as needed (don't let it burn). Please note that I have never tried it this way, so I can't make any promises.
how many cans of tomato sauce are used total in this recipe? The recipe states 2 (15 oz.) cans twice.
Whoops! So I did! I updated the recipe ingredients to show the correct amount: 2 - 15 oz cans. Thanks for the heads up Ali 🙂
This was absolutely delicious and easy!!! I made the eggplant lasagna and used it, but the second time around, I'm going to try it in my zucchini boats. I can't wait! Thank you so much!
That's so great to hear! You just made my night, thanks Barbara.
Tonight I had some friends over for dinner who eat exclusively Paleo. I made this for the meal and it was phenomenal!!! Seriously! I served it over spaghetti squash and was very pleased with the result. I will definitely be making this again. Thank you for sharing!
I'm so glad that you liked it! 🙂
Definitely trying this tonight with zoodles! I'm cooking for one right now, though. How long will this keep in the fridge?
Hi Kimber, The sauce will keep up to 5 day in the fridge, but it also freezes really well. I usually make the zoodles right before serving, but you can keep uncooked zoodles in the fridge for about three days. After that, they start to get soggy and limp. Hope that helps!
[…] 7. Easy Weeknight Bolognese This sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner over spaghetti squash. You’ll need ground beef, sweet onion, sliced mushrooms, garlic, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Using a pre-made tomato sauce (paleo friendly) keeps this sauce simple. […]
[…] 7. Easy Weeknight Bolognese This sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner over spaghetti squash. You’ll need ground beef, sweet onion, sliced mushrooms, garlic, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Using a pre-made tomato sauce (paleo friendly) keeps this sauce simple. […]
I love the versatility of this sauce! I included the recipe link in my blog's Weekly Meal Plan. I hope a lot of my readers give it a try 🙂
Thanks Vanessa!
I have the cooking skills of a 7 year old, but I made this today and it turned out tasting really good! Will make more for mum. Thank you for sharing!
LOL! That's why it's titled EASY Weeknight Bolognese Sauce 🙂 So glad you like it!
[…] – Easy Bolognese over Roasted Spaghetti […]
Just made the easy Bolognese sauce to make the eggplant lasagna and it is delicious!!! Easy and full of hearty rich flavour. Thank you.
Is that 8oz can mushroom or 3 cups
Hi Arlene,
That is an 8oz container of fresh, sliced mushrooms, which is approximately 3 cups.
Hope that is clearer.
Caroline
It's OK. My family liked it. It didn't do much for me, but it was decent. I followed the recipe to a T except did not add fresh basil at the end.