Creamy Pumpkin Bolognese Recipe

Introduction

Pumpkin Bolognese is a comforting twist on the classic Italian meat sauce, combining savory ground meat with the natural sweetness of pumpkin purée. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and adds a seasonal touch to your pasta nights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned all over.
3. Step 3: Stir in the pumpkin purée, crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
5. Step 5: Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
• Add a splash of red wine while simmering to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.

Storage

Store leftover Pumpkin Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of purée?

Yes, you can roast fresh pumpkin chunks until tender and then blend them into a purée. This will add a fresher flavor but requires extra preparation time.

What pasta pairs best with Pumpkin Bolognese?

Wide noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle work especially well, as they hold the rich sauce beautifully. However, any pasta shape you prefer will be delicious with this sauce.

Creamy Pumpkin Bolognese Recipe

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4.9 from 99 reviews

A hearty and comforting Pumpkin Bolognese recipe that combines the rich flavors of ground meat with smooth pumpkin purée and tomatoes, simmered slowly to develop a thick, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner and a creative twist on traditional Bolognese.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cook the meat: Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This will take around 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the red wine if using, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add pumpkin and tomatoes: Stir in the pumpkin purée and crushed tomatoes, mixing well. Pour in the broth to thin the sauce slightly and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Spoon the Pumpkin Bolognese over pasta or your preferred base. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• This sauce pairs well with any type of pasta, polenta, or even roasted vegetables.

Keywords: Pumpkin Bolognese, pumpkin sauce, ground meat sauce, fall recipes, Italian dinner, pumpkin purée recipe