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Easy spaghetti bolognese served over pasta on a plate with a fork.

Easy Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese (with Hidden Veggies!)

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 311kcal
Author: Lauren
This Easy Spaghetti Bolognese with Hidden Veggies is the ultimate, 30-minute weeknight dinner! Packed with tons of flavor and nutrients this meal will guarantee clean plates all around! This easy bolognese sauce can be served over your favorite pasta, spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles so there's a delicious option for everyone! 
Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 medium carrots (130g)
  • 2 medium celery stalks (100g)
  • 1 large yellow onion (250g)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (15g)
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 lbs. lean ground beef 96/4
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 (24-oz.) jar good quality pasta sauce we love Rao’s
  • 1/2 cup half and half (120g)
  • cooked pasta like pappardelle, tagliatelle, fettuccine (any long noodle), for serving
  • grated parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Add the carrots, celery, and onions to a food processor and pulse a few times until you have very fine pieces (be careful to stop before they turn into mush). If you don't have a food processor, you can dice them very finely with a knife.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant then add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Saute for about 5 minutes.
  • Then add in the beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook and crumble until the beef is no longer pink.
  • When brown, add the pasta sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with your favorite noodles (or spaghetti squash/zucchini noodles for lower carb). Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Notes

To make dairy-free: use a dairy-free half and half (or milk of choice) or omit for a more tomato-based sauce. 
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. 
To freeze: let cool completely then place in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let thaw then reheat on stovetop until warmed through. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1.25 cup (320g) | Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.6g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 15.8g | Saturated Fat: 1.8g | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 6.5g