Name: Beef and Mushroom Bolognese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 T. olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves,; minced Sea salt and black pepper to taste; 8-10 oz. mushrooms, chopped; 1 lb. lean ground beef; 2 T. tomato paste; 1 bay leaf; 1 t. dried oregano; ½ t. dried thyme; ½ c. red wine; 1 14-oz. can crushed tomato; Chopped fresh parsley; 1 pkg. pappardelle; Melted butter to toss cooked pasta, to taste; ½ c. shredded gruyere cheese; ½ c. shredded parmesan cheese; Sea salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley to garnish

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Indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of our Beef and Mushroom Bolognese, a comforting twist on the classic Italian sauce. This recipe combines tender ground beef with earthy mushrooms, creating a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this Beef and Mushroom Bolognese is surprisingly easy to prepare. The aromatic blend of herbs and wine elevates the simple ingredients, resulting in a restaurant-quality dish that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of beef and mushrooms creates a deep, satisfying taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, use it in lasagna, or enjoy it with crusty bread for a delightful meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors intensify over time, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the mushrooms, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness and helps to sauté the vegetables to perfection.
Onion and garlic: These aromatic staples form the flavor foundation of the sauce, infusing it with a sweet and pungent base.
Mushrooms: Chopped mushrooms not only add an earthy depth to the sauce but also contribute a meaty texture that complements the ground beef beautifully.
Lean ground beef: The star protein of the dish, lean ground beef provides a rich flavor while keeping the sauce from becoming too greasy.
Tomato paste: This concentrated ingredient adds an intense tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
Herbs (bay leaf, oregano, thyme): This classic Italian herb blend brings warmth and complexity to the sauce, elevating its flavor profile.
Red wine: A splash of red wine deglazes the pan and adds a subtle acidity that balances the rich flavors of the meat and mushrooms.
Crushed tomatoes: The base of our sauce, crushed tomatoes provide body and a bright, fresh tomato taste.

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a leaner option. Vegetarian meat substitute works well for a plant-based version.
Button mushrooms can be swapped for shiitake or porcini to intensify the mushroom flavor.
Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary can be added for an extra aromatic boost.
Cream or milk can be stirred in at the end for a richer, more indulgent sauce.

Instructions

Heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft and translucent

Add mushrooms and ground beef, cooking until beef is browned and mushrooms release their liquid

Stir in tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings

Deglaze the pan with red wine and let it reduce
Add crushed tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens

While sauce simmers, cook pasta if using

Serve the Bolognese over pasta, garnishing with cheese and parsley if desired

Recipe Tips

Let the sauce simmer uncovered to allow it to thicken naturally
Use a wooden spoon to break up the ground beef for a finer texture
Don’t rush the wine reduction step – it’s key for developing deep flavors
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as the flavors will concentrate during cooking

Serving Suggestions

This Beef and Mushroom Bolognese pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a traditional Italian meal, serve it over al dente pappardelle pasta. For a low-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. It also goes great with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

For more Italian-inspired dishes, check out our Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipes on our website.

Storage & Reheating

To store, let the Bolognese cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to reach desired consistency.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

What type of red wine is best for this recipe?

A dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon works well. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with beef broth.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While pappardelle is suggested, this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni are all great options.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a bit longer uncovered, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Is this recipe spicy?

As written, this recipe is not spicy. If you’d like to add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes to taste when adding the other herbs and spices.