Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty plate of spaghetti with minced meat and vegetables. This Italian classic, reimagined with wholesome vegetables, is a perfect, healthy, and complete family meal. Easy to prepare, it’s sure to delight both young and old!

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Ingredients

For the Minced Meat and Vegetable Bolognese Sauce

• 400 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and veal)
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 celery stalk
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 zucchini (optional)
• 500 g tomato puree or crushed peeled tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon oregano or herbes de Provence
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 400 g spaghetti
• Salted water for cooking

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Necessary Tools

• Large pot for pasta
• Large sauté pan or saucepan
• Cutting board
• Kitchen knife
• Grater (optional, for carrots)
• Wooden spoon

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Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Peel the onion, carrots, and garlic. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Grate the carrots or dice them into small pieces. Wash and dice the celery stalk. If using zucchini, cut it into small cubes.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large sauté pan or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

3. Cook the Minced Meat

Add the ground beef (or beef and veal mix) to the pan with the vegetables. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the meat is fully cooked and slightly browned. Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Add the Tomato

Stir in the tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes) and tomato paste. Add the bay leaf, oregano (or herbes de Provence), and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the cooking water.

6. Combine and Serve

Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.

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Tips for Success

• Make it ahead: The bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the ground meat for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• Customize it: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or other favorite vegetables to make it your own.

Enjoy this hearty, vegetable-packed spaghetti bolognese for a comforting and satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table!

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Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes