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Cozy Lentil and Ground Beef Bolognese

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A hearty, freezer-friendly bolognese sauce combining ground beef and lentils for a comforting and nutritious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of brown lentils under cold water. Optional: soak for 15 minutes to reduce cooking time. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, mixing well with beef and vegetables. Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes.
  6. Add rinsed lentils to the skillet. Pour in 1 cup beef broth. Toss in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 bay leaf.
  7. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and lentils are tender but not mushy.
  8. Remove bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  9. Stir in chopped fresh parsley or basil just before serving.
  10. Serve hot over pasta, polenta, or roasted vegetables. To freeze, cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and store in freezer up to 3 months.

Notes

Brown the beef well for better flavor and texture. Use brown or green lentils to keep the sauce hearty and avoid mushiness. Simmer low and slow to meld flavors. Drain excess fat if beef is fatty. Freeze in single or double-serving portions for convenience. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water if sauce thickens too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil bolognese, ground beef bolognese, freezer-friendly meals, easy dinner, hearty sauce, lentils, comfort food

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-lentil-and-ground-beef-bolognese-recipe-easy-freezer-friendly-meals/