The next time you make pasta, top it with a meat sauce that features the rich and distinct taste of lamb.
Most food lovers recognize that the key to a good pasta dish is in the sauce, and this Bolognese sauce is truly decadent. Of course, Bolognese is rarely the quick and easy option. Cooking it is a labor of love that requires patience. But when you put in the time and effort, the results are more than worth your while.
Personally, I like to add an extra twist to Bolognese sauce by making it with lamb rather than beef or pork. If you’re not familiar with lamb meat, it has a slightly more gamy taste than beef. That distinct flavor is why I prefer lamb over beef with Bolognese. But even if you aren’t the biggest fan of gamy meat, there are so many more flavors that come together in the Bolognese. The sauce includes plenty of garlic, vegetables, and seasonings like oregano and basil. You will certainly taste the unique flavor of the lamb, but it won’t be overpowering compared to all of the other flavors that get melded together in the sauce.
Is Lamb Bolognese Healthy?
Health-wise, there are some pros and cons to lamb Bolognese. Lamb meat is a good source of protein as well as nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. But it’s also higher in fat than other meats, so anyone on a low-fat diet may want to switch out the meat. Meanwhile, onions, carrots, and tomatoes give the dish plenty of other nutrients such as vitamin K, magnesium and calcium.
Add Even More Flavor
There are a few extra ingredients that you could consider adding to enrich your lamb Bolognese even more. For those who like their sauce a little spicy, red pepper flakes can provide a kick. Also, if you’re a big fan of vegetables, feel free to add some extra carrots or even some chopped zucchini or sliced mushrooms. You may also consider adding some spinach toward the end of the simmering process so that it wilts without overcooking. Finally, a splash of milk or heavy cream at the end will give the sauce a richer and creamier texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Allow the lamb Bolognese to cool and store it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it will remain good for up to 3 days, although it can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Other than a nice bowl of pasta, one thing I suggest having on the side with your lamb Bolognese is homemade Garlic Toast or some kind of garlic bread. I would also recommend leaning into the Italian nature of Bolognese by making an Italian Salad or putting your own salad together with Italian Salad Dressing. Of course, if you want sides that go beyond salad and bread, my top suggestions would be Crispy Asparagus and Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 small onions finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 4 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cup red wine
- 1 can 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta such as tagliatelle or pappardelle
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground lamb to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, water, bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the lamb Bolognese sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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