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Spaghetti Bolognese with Hidden Veggies

A comforting and nutritious twist on the classic Spaghetti Bolognese, packed with hidden vegetables for added flavor and health benefits.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 570
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey Can substitute with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 medium Onion Fresh for the best flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferable; dried garlic can be used sparingly.
  • 2 medium Carrot For natural sweetness; zucchini or bell peppers can be substituted.
  • 8 oz Mushrooms Cremini or button mushrooms work well.
  • 15 oz Tomato Sauce Crushed tomatoes can also be used.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Essential for richness.
  • 12 oz Spaghetti Or any pasta shape you prefer.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing.
  • Herbs and Spices (Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper) To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Finely chop onions, carrots, and mushrooms to ensure they blend seamlessly into the sauce.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add chopped carrots and mushrooms, cooking until they are tender.
Cooking
  1. Push the veggies to the side, increase heat, and add the ground meat. Stir until browned, ensuring it breaks apart into smaller pieces, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in tomato sauce and paste, and sprinkle in your spices. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 20 minutes.
  3. In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  4. Combine the pasta with the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Pair with garlic bread and a fresh side salad.