As the leaves turn and a chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of Pumpkin Beef Bolognese to warm your soul. This one-pan pasta dish strikes a perfect balance between rich, hearty flavors and the comforting sweetness of pumpkin. It embodies everything we love about fall—comforting ingredients, quick preparation, and satisfying tastes that leave you feeling nourished. The addition of savory ground beef and warming spices like thyme and smoked paprika make this recipe an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or a cozy night in with friends.
Not only does it bring the flavors of autumn directly to your table, but it also allows you to use seasonal produce in a way that highlights their natural sweetness and earthy flavor. The use of real ingredients like fresh garlic, diced fennel, and puréed tomatoes elevates this dish, ensuring it’s not only delicious but wholesome too. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different pasta styles, making it a fantastic flexible option for busy weeknight dinners. Let’s dive into why this Pumpkin Beef Bolognese should be a staple in your fall recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Beef Bolognese
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of beef and pumpkin creates a rich depth of flavor that’s hearty and fulfilling.
- Quick & Easy: This meal comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
- Seasonal Ingredients: It utilizes delicious fall produce, making it both timely and tasty.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust spices to suit your palate.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins from the pumpkin and nutrients from the beef, it’s comforting and nourishing.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this deliciously cozy Pumpkin Beef Bolognese, it’s essential to set up your cooking space for efficiency. Start by gathering all your ingredients—this includes your ground beef, pumpkin, spices, and herbs. This makes the cooking process smoother. Grab a large pot, preferably a Dutch oven, for an even heat distribution that’s perfect for simmering and browning.
You will also need a good-quality knife for dicing the vegetables and a cutting board. Furthermore, a wooden spoon or a spatula will help you stir the ingredients without damaging your pot. Make sure to have a colander on hand for draining your pasta once it cooks. By having all your tools and ingredients organized, you’ll streamline the cooking process and enjoy the experience even more.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small or ½ large fennel bulb, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz pasta (any type)
- 4 cups diced pumpkin (skin on, seeds removed)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 cups puréed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1¾ cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme (for serving)
- Extra chili flakes (for serving)
- Optional Whipped Ricotta Topping:
- 5 tbsp ricotta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Base
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step is crucial as it allows the oil to warm up, ensuring your ingredients sauté evenly. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about five minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
Step 2: Add Pumpkin Awesomeness
Next, introduce the diced pumpkin to the pot. This will impart a lovely sweetness to the dish. Let the pumpkin cook for an additional five minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften slightly but retains its shape.
Step 3: Incorporate Fennel
Now it’s time to stir in the diced fennel. The fennel’s subtly sweet and anise-like flavor pairs beautifully with the pumpkin, enhancing the overall taste of your Bolognese. Allow it to cook for about three more minutes.
Step 4: Brown the Beef
Increase the heat to high and add your ground beef to the pot. Break it up as it cooks, ensuring it gets a good brown sear. Lower the heat back to medium and continue to cook for approximately ten minutes until the beef is fully browned and the flavors have melded.
Step 5: Spice it Up
Once your beef is browned, it’s time to sprinkle in the dried thyme, sage, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix to combine the spices evenly with the meat and vegetables, allowing the herbs to release their fragrant oils.
Step 6: Build Flavor with Broth
Add the beef broth and bay leaf to the mixture. Allow the concoction to come to a gentle simmer for about ten minutes, enhancing the dish’s depth as the ingredients marry together.
Step 7: Tomato Purée Magic
Incorporate the tomato purée and tomato paste into the pot. Give it a good stir, then cover and let it cook for an additional ten minutes, until the pumpkin becomes tender and the sauce thickens. This step is essential for creating a rich and creamy texture that will coat your pasta beautifully.
Step 8: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, boil water in another pot and add salt to it. Once boiling, add your desired pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 9: Whip Up Ricotta
If you’re opting for the whipped ricotta topping, combine ricotta, olive oil, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, setting it aside to serve later.
Step 10: Combine & Serve
Toss the drained pasta with the sumptuous Bolognese sauce and mix well. Serve the pasta with a generous dollop of whipped ricotta on top, garnishing with fresh thyme and an extra sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick. Your Pumpkin Beef Bolognese is now ready to be savored!
Variations
- Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms.
- Vegetables: Add more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasonings—try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for more warmth.
Cooking Notes
- Always taste as you go—adjust salt and pepper levels based on your preferences.
- If pumpkin isn’t in season, you can substitute with sweet potato or butternut squash.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this pasta dish with a side salad for a fresh crunch.
- A glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using beef bone broth instead of regular broth.
- If you have leftovers, it stores well in the fridge for up to three days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
- Protein: 40 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Simply reheat when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Pumpkin Beef Bolognese?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
Any pasta will work, but thicker shapes like rigatoni or pappardelle hold up well to the chunky sauce.
How can I make it spicier?
Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Beef Bolognese is more than just a comforting dish; it’s a celebration of fall flavors packed into every bite. The sweet pumpkin pairs beautifully with the savory beef creating a dish that warms the heart and soul. As you enjoy this one-pan wonder, don’t hesitate to experiment with your own ingredient swaps and variations—the beauty of cooking lies in creativity! So, gather your loved ones around the table, serve this delectable meal, and watch as it brings smiles and warmth to your dining experience. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments, and let me know how your Pumpkin Beef Bolognese turned out!
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Cozy Pumpkin Beef Bolognese
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Pumpkin Beef Bolognese is more than just a comforting dish; it’s a celebration of fall flavors packed into every bite.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small or ½ large fennel bulb, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz pasta (any type)
- 4 cups diced pumpkin (skin on, seeds removed)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 cups puréed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1¾ cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme (for serving)
- Extra chili flakes (for serving)
- Optional Whipped Ricotta Topping:
- 5 tbsp ricotta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step is crucial as it allows the oil to warm up, ensuring your ingredients sauté evenly. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about five minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
- Next, introduce the diced pumpkin to the pot. This will impart a lovely sweetness to the dish. Let the pumpkin cook for an additional five minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften slightly but retains its shape.
- Now it’s time to stir in the diced fennel. The fennel’s subtly sweet and anise-like flavor pairs beautifully with the pumpkin, enhancing the overall taste of your Bolognese. Allow it to cook for about three more minutes.
- Increase the heat to high and add your ground beef to the pot. Break it up as it cooks, ensuring it gets a good brown sear. Lower the heat back to medium and continue to cook for approximately ten minutes until the beef is fully browned and the flavors have melded.
- Once your beef is browned, it’s time to sprinkle in the dried thyme, sage, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix to combine the spices evenly with the meat and vegetables, allowing the herbs to release their fragrant oils.
- Add the beef broth and bay leaf to the mixture. Allow the concoction to come to a gentle simmer for about ten minutes, enhancing the dish’s depth as the ingredients marry together.
- Incorporate the tomato purée and tomato paste into the pot. Give it a good stir, then cover and let it cook for an additional ten minutes, until the pumpkin becomes tender and the sauce thickens. This step is essential for creating a rich and creamy texture that will coat your pasta beautifully.
- While your sauce is simmering, boil water in another pot and add salt to it. Once boiling, add your desired pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- If you’re opting for the whipped ricotta topping, combine ricotta, olive oil, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, setting it aside to serve later.
- Toss the drained pasta with the sumptuous Bolognese sauce and mix well. Serve the pasta with a generous dollop of whipped ricotta on top, garnishing with fresh thyme and an extra sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick. Your Pumpkin Beef Bolognese is now ready to be savored!
Notes
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be made ahead of time. It also freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 40 g