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Pumpkin Bolognese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

This comforting Pumpkin Bolognese recipe combines savory ground meat, hearty vegetables, and smooth pumpkin puree, creating a rich and flavorful sauce perfect for a cozy meal. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, sage, and warm spices like cinnamon and basil adds depth and seasonal warmth, making this dish a delightful twist on the classic Italian Bolognese.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Flavorings

  • 1–2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6–8 sage leaves
  • 1½ cups pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes, no salt added preferred
  • 1 cup milk of choice (1%, 2%, whole, or plant-based)
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey, chicken, or lentils
  • 1 medium onion, diced small
  • 2 big carrots or 12–15 baby carrots, diced small
  • 3 celery stalks, diced small

Pasta and Garnish

  • 1 lb pasta
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a medium pot over low to medium heat. Add ½ Tablespoon olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Once hot, add the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and sage leaves. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant to release their flavors.
  2. Prepare Pumpkin Broth: Add the pumpkin puree, chicken or vegetable broth, dried basil, and ground cinnamon to the pot, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Brown the Meat: Meanwhile, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground meat of your choice and cook, breaking it up, until completely browned. Drain any excess liquid by pouring the meat into a colander.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Add ½ to 1 Tablespoon olive oil to the same large pot. When hot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and translucent.
  5. Combine Meat and Vegetables: Return the browned ground meat to the pot with the softened vegetables and stir well to combine.
  6. Deglaze and Add Tomatoes: Pour the dry white wine into the pot to deglaze, scraping any brown bits from the bottom. Cook for 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Then add the crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly.
  7. Blend and Add Pumpkin Sauce: Once the pumpkin broth has cooled, transfer it to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour the blended pumpkin sauce into the pot with the meat and vegetables and stir to combine.
  8. Add Milk and Season: Pour in the milk of choice and season with ground black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all flavors.
  9. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a low simmer. Let it cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your preference. If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add extra broth to loosen consistency.
  10. Cook Pasta: When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  11. Serve: Plate the pasta and top generously with the pumpkin Bolognese sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use 1%, 2%, whole milk, or plant-based milk in this recipe. Whole milk provides a creamier texture. Avoid flavored milks as they will alter the sauce’s flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For longer simmering (up to 1 hour), add an additional cup of broth to maintain desired consistency.
  • Feel free to substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey, chicken, or lentils for a variation.
  • This hearty Bolognese is perfect for cooler days and pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta shapes.

Keywords: Pumpkin Bolognese, pumpkin pasta sauce, pumpkin recipes, fall recipes, Bolognese sauce, healthy pasta sauce, ground beef pasta sauce, seasonal recipes

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/pumpkin-bolognese-recipe/