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Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese

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This Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. With ground beef, red curry paste, and rich cream, this sauce comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food in a hurry.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian, Caribbean Fusion

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons red curry paste

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

Pasta of your choice (rigatoni, pappardelle, or fettuccine work great)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Beef:

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.

Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables:

Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.

Incorporate Red Curry Paste:

Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Add Tomatoes:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, letting the flavors combine.

Finish with Cream:

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.

Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Pasta:

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions.

Drain and reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, if needed.

Combine and Serve:

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Meat Swap: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Vegetarian Version: Use sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead of meat to keep the rich texture.

Spicier: Add extra red curry paste or a sliced chili pepper for more heat.

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