Hearty & Nourishing Beef and Veggie Bolognese
When it comes to comfort food that’s both nourishing and satisfying, few dishes compare to a rich, homemade Bolognese. This Beef and Veggie Bolognese is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a perfect wholesome meal for any day of the week. By incorporating plenty of nutrient-dense vegetables, grass-fed beef, and warming spices, this dish delivers the best of both worlds—indulgence and nourishment.
I make this recipe almost every time I enter my menstrual phase. This is because we lose iron stores while on our period, and this recipe is packed with iron-rich ground beef. I always try to pair vitamin C when I'm eating iron-rich foods, as they increase absorption. This recipe contains bell pepper, which contains even more vitamin C than an orange!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Nutrients – Loaded with fresh vegetables and high-quality protein, this Bolognese is as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Easy to Make – Simple, wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly for a hearty, homemade sauce.
- Great for Meal Prep – This sauce stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Family-Friendly – A balanced meal that even picky eaters will enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb organic grass-fed ground beef
- 2 organic bell peppers, diced
- 1 pack organic mushrooms, sliced
- 1 organic zucchini, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves organic garlic, minced
- 1 can organic tomato sauce (I get mine from Costco. Aim to purchase tomato sauce with minimal ingredients, as most add unnecessary oils and sugar. Mine just has tomatoes and salt)
-
A splash of bone broth
- Pasta of choice
- Parmesan (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Seasonings:
- 21 Seasoning Salute (from Trader Joe’s)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the Veggies: Stir in the diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and chopped zucchini. Season with salt, pepper, and 21 seasoning salute. Cook until softened, then remove from the pot.
- Cook the Beef: Drizzle the pot with olive oil once more, then add the grass-fed ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the veggies back into the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce and a splash of bone broth. I like to drizzle in a bit of balsamic vinegar here for some depth of flavor. Stir well and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine & Serve: Toss the pasta with the Bolognese sauce or serve it on top. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.