Recipe | Ina's Weeknight Bolognese

   

       If you are in need of a delicious weeknight meal that is quick and easy to prepare-----Ina's Weeknight Bolognese is the perfect choice.   What I love about this dish is that it has a lot of flavor and ----- the ingredients are staples in my kitchen.  Most likely, they are staples in your kitchen too!
This is one our family's favorite!

Ina's Weeknight Bolognese
Adapted from 2010, Barefoot Contessa How Easy is That?

1  pound ground round
4  cloves garlic minced
1  tablespoon  dried oregano
2  teaspoons dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon  red pepper flakes
1 + 1/4 cups  red wine (divided)
1  28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
     (no salt added)
2  tablespoons tomato paste
1  teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

3/4  pound dried pasta orecchiette or small shells
1/4  teaspoon ground nutmeg
1  tablespoon dried parsley  (the recipe calls for 1/4 fresh basil leaves chopped) 
1/4  heavy cream (I use half & half)
1/2  cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

      I used my Dutch oven (Ina used a 12" skillet for this recipe.)  Brown the ground round at medium heat until browned.  Add minced garlic, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes.  Simmer for 1 minute.  Pour in 1 cup wine, stir and scrape up brown bits on the bottom of pan.  Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper, stir until combined. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook according to the package directions.

While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce.

Add nutmeg, parsley, cream and the remaining 1/4 cup of wine to the sauce and continue to simmer for 8--10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.  When pasta is done drain and put in a large serving bowl.  Pour the sauce over the pasta and add the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and toss together.

(I added the pasta and Parmesan to the Dutch oven.)

Serve hot with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan to garnish.

                                                          How gorgeous is this kitchen?  

                                                            (Photo source is unknown.)