Freezer Friendly Spaghetti Bolognese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Freezer-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for preparing in large batches and freezing for future use. You'll always have a delicious, homemade meal ready when you need it most.

• Hearty and Flavorful: The rich and savory Bolognese sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, making this meal both satisfying and comforting.

• Meal Prep Friendly: With minimal effort, you can prepare multiple servings at once and store them for later, saving you time throughout the week.

• Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables, swap the protein, or use a different type of pasta. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• ½ cup red wine (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb spaghetti

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned. Remove any excess fat.

2. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

3. Pour in the red wine (if using) and stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.

5. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld together.

6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

7. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef for a hearty vegetarian option.

• Gluten-Free: Serve the sauce with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

• Add Vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Freezing: Allow the Bolognese sauce to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Once thawed, heat in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, then serve over fresh cooked pasta.

Tip: To prevent the sauce from drying out when reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Bolognese?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef in this recipe.

2. How long can I store the Bolognese sauce in the freezer?

The sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the Bolognese sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, you will need to peel, seed, and crush them to achieve the same consistency as canned crushed tomatoes.

5. Is there a vegetarian version of Bolognese?

Yes! You can replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of both for a delicious vegetarian Bolognese.

6. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

While cheese isn’t typically added to the sauce, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for added flavor.

7. Can I freeze the pasta with the sauce?

It's best to freeze the Bolognese sauce separately from the pasta. Cooked pasta tends to become mushy after freezing and reheating.

8. How can I make the Bolognese sauce spicier?

If you like your sauce spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a bit of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

9. Can I use a slow cooker to make this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the Bolognese sauce in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

10. Can I use another type of pasta with this Bolognese?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shapes, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, instead of spaghetti.

Conclusion

Freezer Friendly Spaghetti Bolognese is a fantastic option for anyone who loves the convenience of meal prep without sacrificing flavor. This dish can be made in advance, frozen, and reheated with ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious homemade meal in a pinch. With its rich sauce, savory meat, and comforting pasta, it’s sure to be a family favorite that you’ll make again and again.

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