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Delicious Pumpkin Beef Bolognese served in a bowl with herbs and grated cheese

Pumpkin Beef Bolognese

A unique and hearty twist on the classic Bolognese, featuring rich ground beef and the sweet earthiness of pumpkin, perfect for cozy family dinners in fall.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree fresh pumpkin can be used if cooked and pureed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth for a lighter version
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
  • 1 lb spaghetti or your pasta of choice
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Incorporate the pumpkin puree and tomato paste, stirring well for about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, followed by the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to save a cup of pasta water for later.
Assembly
  1. Once the sauce has thickened, adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water as needed.
  2. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated in the delicious bolognese.
  3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for an autumn twist. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese before serving. Store the bolognese sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This sauce pairs beautifully with whole-grain pasta or gluten-free alternatives for a healthier option.