Simple Bolognese

Thanks for all your sweet comments yesterday!  We worked extra hard to make sure to get it done so that I could share it with all of you!  If you have any suggestions on how we might style it {and get better photos!} that would be great.  I always learn so much for you!



This week's recipe is a simple bolognese.  Why is it simple, you ask?  Well mainly because I did not cook it!  :)  My parents-in-law had us over for dinner Saturday night and whipped up this fabulous dish!  Hubby and I have learned a lot about cooking together from his parents...I think it's a neat tradition and has set a great example for Ryan and his siblings.  OH and Mama Schue recently got started on Twitter {show her some love! @mamaschue1}. 

This recipe comes courtesy of our favorite, Barefoot Contessa!  She really can do no wrong!  :)

  • 2 tablespoons good olive oil, plus extra to cook the pasta
  • 1 pound lean ground sirloin
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/4 cups dry red wine, divided
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 pound dried pasta, such as orecchiette or small shells
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat has lost its pink color and has started to brown. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. Pour 1 cup of the wine into the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt, a splash of oil, and the pasta, and cook according to the directions on the box.
While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce. Add the nutmeg, basil, cream, and the remaining 1/4 cup wine to the sauce and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. When the pasta is cooked, drain and pour into a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan and toss well. Serve hot with Parmesan on the side.


This is the perfect meal for a week night...warm and cozy too!  It's got lots of rich flavor and is perfect with some crusty bread and a green salad!  :)
Hope you enjoy!  Bon Appetit!

xo natasha

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays

P.S. I am super excited to be guest posting at two awesome blogs today!


Lesley is featuring me on her new & inspiration series: LIFT!  Check it out here!


Viv is featuring my favorite fall palette!  Check it out here!

Thanks to both of these girls for having me today!  xo

29 comments :

  1. Yummy yum! That looks absolutely delish.

    And thanks for stopping by Fashion Truffles today! It was so great working with you :)

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  2. Yummy! I am always up for a new recipe. This looks delicious.

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  3. I love bolognese for a midweek meal and this looks delicious. Must give it a go:)
    ~Anne

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  4. YUM! This looks so delicious and I love learning about new pasta dishes! xo

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  5. my husband would love this one.

    xo, chrissy

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  6. I love a simple and classic bolognese! Thanks for sharing

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  7. Ina never disappoints! I have had this recipe bookmarked to make for awhile! Yours looks delish!

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  8. My children would sure love this. I need to go check out your guest posts! Have a great day.

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  9. This looks scrumptious! I used to have my own "tasty tuesday" series on my blog, but now I'll have to look into linking up! love that.

    now your newest follower!

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  10. This dish looks right up my alley and ya gotta love that you didnt have to cook either...woohoo. I love not having to cook a week night!

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  11. yum!! i love bolognese! such a great fall dish.

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  12. Perhaps it is because fall weather is settling in, but I have been craving hearty, meaty pasta dishes! And I will never argue with a bowl of bolognese...especially when it looks and sounds as delicious as yours :) I am so hungry now!!! xoxoxo brynn

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  13. Loved your guest post!! It was fun to learn a bit more about you!

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  14. Oh my gosh I am drooling. What a fantastic recipe. Since I'm Italian, I have to give it a try!

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  15. oh my lanta, as I like to say.
    Wow. Looks scrumptious! Gonna have my mom make this!

    Loved your post on FT today :)

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  16. This looks yummy! And your hutch looks great! I'm glad you went with the black :)

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  17. pasta dishes make me happy!! how sweet to share in dinner times with your fam! ;)

    great guest posts too!!

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  18. Yum Yum! I am going to try this variation of a meat sauce. I love Barefoot Contessa!!

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  19. I have got to make this. You are so right.. the Barefoot Contessa can do no wrong. Have never made anything of hers that I didn't love.

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  20. you don't understand how much I'm not craving pasta in a CRAZY way ;) I love me some Barefoot Contessa--and your food posts! Hope you're having a great week, love! xoxo {av}

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  21. This looks so delicious and I love Barefoot Contessa she is definitely my girl crush!

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  22. Looks delicious Natasha. How fun that you cook with your in-laws!

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  23. I always love a good bolognese...but that might just be because I am an italian food junkie! This has my tummy rumbling...(c:

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  24. Yum! I always thought this was so hard to make but its actually easy I definitely need to try this out!

    xo

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  25. YUM! I'm going to have to try this recipe next time I make pasta for supper.

    I'm no help with tips for styling food for photos - my food photos always come out looking very UNappetizing! I think yours look great :-)

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  26. That seriously needs to end up on our dinner menu soon!!

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  27. I think you're giving me my pasta fill! Pinning this one to try soon!!! Looks absolutely scrumptious!

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  28. Yummy! Thank you for the recipe...so glad I'm stumbling upon blogs I haven't been to in a bit and catching up! :)

    Liesl :)

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