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Freezer Friendly Spaghetti Bolognese

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This Freezer Friendly Spaghetti Bolognese is a simple, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for meal prep or when you're looking to have a homemade dinner ready at a moment's notice. Packed with savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, it’s a comfort food classic that you can easily make in advance and freeze for later use.

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

1/2 cup red wine (optional)

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb spaghetti

Instructions

  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.

Notes

  • 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.
  • To prevent the sauce from drying out when reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth.
  • If you want a spicy Bolognese, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free: Serve the sauce with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/freezer-friendly-spaghetti-bolognese/