Light Beef Bolognese

Savor the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with this Light Beef Bolognese recipe, a healthier take on a beloved favorite. Made with lean ground beef, a medley of finely diced vegetables, and an aromatic blend of herbs, this dish delivers all the richness of traditional Bolognese with a lighter touch. Simmered in a savory sauce of crushed tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, and a hint of creamy skim milk, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and wholesome. Ready in just under an hour, it's an ideal weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with pasta or zucchini noodles for a guilt-free indulgence. Garnish with fresh parsley to elevate the flavors and serve up a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes (unsalted)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250 milliliters low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 120 milliliters skim milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4

Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the ground beef to the other side. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Stir the cooked beef and vegetables together. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine, then add the oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Step 7

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 8

Stir in the skim milk and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1748.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1679.9

Total Fat 91.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 378.7mg	0%
Sodium 2013.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 61.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.8g	0%
Total Sugars 34.4g
Protein 145.7g	0%

Vitamin D 54.5IU	0%
Calcium 523.8mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 4044.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.7%

Protein: 35.3%

Carbs: 14.9%