This Pumpkin Bolognese is a fun twist on the classic sauce! With creamy pumpkin and hearty veggies, it’s cozy and comforting for any meal. Plus, it’s so colorful!
When I make this, my whole kitchen smells amazing. I love serving it over pasta with a sprinkle of cheese—perfect for a chilly night! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A must for sautéing! It adds healthy fat and flavor. If you’re out, canola or avocado oil works too, but I prefer olive for its taste.
Pumpkin: Fresh pumpkin gives the best flavor, but you can use canned pumpkin purée if you’re short on time. Just avoid pumpkin pie filling to keep the sauce savory!
Ground Beef: Ground turkey is a lighter option. For a vegetarian choice, consider lentils or a meat substitute. I love mushrooms for their earthy taste and texture!
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned is great and convenient! If you use fresh, blend or chop them to a sauce-like consistency before adding to the pan.
Wine: This adds depth, but you can skip it. Substitute with vegetable broth or just use extra crushed tomatoes if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
How Do I Make Sure the Pumpkin is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your pumpkin just right is key for this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the pumpkin into small, even cubes for quick and uniform cooking.
- Add it alongside the other veggies early on so it can soften up. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to get tender.
- Simmer the sauce well—20-30 minutes is ideal to let the pumpkin meld with other flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- You want the pumpkin to break down slightly but still have some texture, adding a nice body to the sauce.
With these tips, your Pumpkin Bolognese will turn out delicious and comforting every time!
Easy Pumpkin Bolognese Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving:
- Pasta of choice (like spaghetti, bucatini, or pici)
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pumpkin Bolognese takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes, making it a quick and wholesome meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these together until they’re softened and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Garlic and Pumpkin:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes aromatic. Then, add the diced pumpkin cubes and cook them for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
3. Brown the Meat:
Push the vegetables to the side, and then add the ground beef (or turkey) into the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the pan and deglaze, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow it to simmer until it reduces by half.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and gently simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to blend and the pumpkin to become tender.
7. Cook the Pasta:
While the sauce is simmering, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
8. Final Touch:
Just before serving, stir the chopped fresh parsley into the sauce for a lovely burst of color and freshness.
9. Serve It Up:
You can either toss the cooked pasta in the pumpkin Bolognese sauce or plate the pasta and spoon the sauce on top. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh sage leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Enjoy!
Serve hot and dig into this deliciously comforting Pumpkin Bolognese! It’s perfect for enjoying on a cozy evening.
This recipe seamlessly marries the rich, meaty flavors of traditional Bolognese with the sweet, earthy notes of pumpkin, enhanced by aromatic spices and fresh herbs. A truly comforting and flavorful dish that captures the essence of autumn!
Can I Use Canned Pumpkin Instead of Fresh?
Yes, canned pumpkin purée works perfectly for this recipe! Just make sure to use plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, to keep your sauce savory.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add mushrooms for an extra earthy flavor!
What Can I Serve with Pumpkin Bolognese?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, but you can also serve it over rice, quinoa, or even roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option. A side salad or garlic bread would complement it well too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
