Ziti With Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef and 1 lb. ground pork

Olive oil

Onion (chopped)

Garlic (chopped)

Grated carrot

White wine

Salt & pepper

2 cans plum tomatoes or 2 bottles home canned tomatoes

Fresh basil

Instructions:

Brown meat in a bit of olive oil.

Drain the liquid.

Add more oil, chopped onion, garlic and grated carrot.

Season with salt and pepper.

Deglaze with white wine.

Stir until wine has evaporated.

Purée tomatoes in a blender. Strain tomatoes to remove seeds, (if using home canned tomatoes eliminate this step) add to meat mix and cook for about 2 hours.

Toss in some fresh basil.

Cook pasta of your choice.

Mix with sauce.

Top with grated parmigiano, a little hot pepper flakes and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef and pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

However, keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly.

What type of wine is best for deglazing?

Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for deglazing.

Is it necessary to strain the tomatoes?

Straining tomatoes removes seeds and creates a smoother sauce.

If using home-canned tomatoes, you may skip this step for a chunkier texture.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce for extra nutrition?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the nutritional profile.

How long should I cook the sauce?

Simmer the sauce for about 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich taste.

Stir occasionally.

Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce?

Yes, Bolognese sauce freezes well.

Store it in airtight containers for up to three months.

What pasta shapes work well with this sauce besides ziti?

Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are excellent alternatives that capture the sauce beautifully.

Should I use fresh or dried basil?

Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor, but dried basil works too.

If using dried, add it earlier in the cooking process.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Bolognese sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently before mixing with pasta.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover pasta with Bolognese sauce?

Reheat in a covered dish in the oven or on the stovetop with a bit of additional tomato sauce to prevent dryness.