Mediterranean Diet Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce
Dive into the rich and satisfying world of Mediterranean flavors with this Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce, a healthier spin on the beloved Italian favorite. Made with lean ground beef, extra virgin olive oil, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, this recipe layers depth and robust flavor with additions like red wine, crushed tomatoes, and fragrant herbs including oregano and basil. A slow simmer ensures the sauce reaches peak richness while maintaining its wholesome, heart-healthy profile, making it a perfect choice for those embracing the Mediterranean diet. Serve it over your favorite pasta or zoodles, and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. With its simple ingredients, balanced seasoning, and crowd-pleasing taste, this bolognese sauce brings nourishing comfort to your table every time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests with a dish that's both classic and mindful of wellness.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 2 medium, chopped carrots
- 2 chopped celery stalk
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 500 grams lean ground beef
- 1 cup red wine
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned all over, about 5-10 minutes.
Pour in the red wine, scraping down the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any browned bits, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine is reduced by half.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaf, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1593 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.0 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.8 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 310 mg | 103% | |
| Sodium | 4032 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.2 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.5 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.6 g | ||
| Protein | 120.8 g | 242% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 405 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 23.3 mg | 129% | |
| Potassium | 4385 mg | 93% | |
*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.
