This simple Bolognese over pappardelle is just that – simple and easy. When you think about Bolognese you think about a long process of hours of cooking. Don’t get me wrong, that is a beautiful Bolognese and it is what I always make, but you know, during hectic times, short cuts really matter.
The other great thing about a Bolognese is that you can cook a big batch and freeze. Move it to the refrigerator the day of to thaw. When you are ready to serve, cook your pasta, add a salad and a piece of garlic bread and you have a meal done. Don’t want a side dish? Cook your pasta, combine with your Bolognese and you’re done. The good thing is that this is delicious and kids love Spaghetti and a meat sauce.
simple bolognese over pappardelle
What makes this sauce so simple is that you use a jar of your favorite store-bought marinara! Yes! You don’t have to buy an expensive jar of marinara! Honestly, I’ve tried many and I’d say they are all pretty good.
I like to use a large pasta with a meat sauce and pappardelle is one of my favorites. I live rural and can’t find it at local stores, I have to go to a larger major store, but I ordered it on line for years. https://amzn.to/3hYxMBH.
I love these big noodles!! They are perfect with the hearty meat sauce.
this – simple Bolognese over pappardelle
I always have leftovers, so lasagna is always a plan or try these stuffed shells: https://the2spoons.com/wow-stuffed-shells-with-bolognese/
Those look delicious!
Here’s the recipe for this simple recipe! Let me know what you think!
Simple Bolognese over Pappardelle
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 25 oz jar of store bought marinara
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- couple of pinches of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lb pappardelle or other wide pasta noodle
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- fresh basil or Italian parsley for serving
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and butter to a large saucepan. Add the carrots, celery and onions and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat.
- Add the jar of marinara along with salt and pepper to taste along with the red pepper flakes if adding and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes. Add the heavy cream.
- Cook your pasta according to package directions. I don't drain, I add my pasta to a separate separate skillet or large pan that I have added some of the sauce, adding more sauce along with a little of the pasta water, until all of your pasta is completely coated. Cook for just a minute or so, adding more pasta water if needed until the pasta has combined with the sauce. Serve immediately with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like Italian parsley or basil. Enjoy!