Beef & Lentil Bolognese Sauce

Beef & Lentil Bolognese Sauce

  By lentilsorg  ,     

February 15, 2016

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A rich and hearty Italian meat sauce of slow simmered tomatoes, aromatic onions, garlic, celery, garlic, oregano, beef, and lentils – served atop al dente pasta noodles with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.

  • Prep: 15 Minutes
  • Cook: 15 Minutes
  • 15 Minutes

    15 Minutes

    30 Minutes

  • Yields: 6
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Directions

  1. Set a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Heat for 20 seconds, then stir in onion, celery, and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, until soft.
  2. Stir in ground beef, oregano, fennel seeds, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in red wine, turn heat to high and let the wine reduce for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in lentils and canned tomatoes, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, partially remove lid and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in chopped basil and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

Quick tip: Prep ahead for weeknight meals: make extra Bolognese and serve as a topping to polenta or spaghetti squash throughout the week. Or freeze your sauce for future weeknight rushes.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped onion

1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped celery

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef

1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano

1 tsp (5 mL) fennel seeds

1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

1/4 tsp (2 mL) ground black pepper

1 cup (250 mL) dry red wine

2 cups (500 mL) cooked green lentils

1 can (28 oz/798 mL) tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh basil

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size1 1/3 cups (325 mL)
Calories300
Sodium260 mg
Potassium354 mg
Protein22 g
Cholesterol40 mg
Sugar6 g
Total Fat10 g
Saturated Fat2 g
Total Carbohydrates23 g
Dietary Fiber7 g