Hidden Vegetable Bolognese
Course: Kid-Friendly, Recipes, VegetarianThis kid-friendly recipe blends a medley of vegetables and a hint of fruit into a rich, savory sauce. Packed with essential nutrients, it ensures a balanced meal that even picky eaters will love. Perfect for sneaking in extra veggies without compromising on flavor, this bolognese will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small leek, thinly sliced
½ stick celery, diced
¼ small red pepper, diced
1 small carrot, peeled and grated
½ apple, peeled, cored and grated
1 clove garlic, crushed
14 oz. chopped tomatoes
1 lb. minced beef
4 Tbsp. tomato puree
2 Tbsp. ketchup
9 oz. beef stock
¼ tsp. dried oregano
Directions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan and sauté the vegetables, apple and garlic for 10 minutes, until soft.
- Transfer to a blender and add the tomatoes. Whiz until smooth.
- Wipe out the pan with a paper towel then add the minced beef and fry over medium-high heat, breaking the beef up with a wooden spoon, until browned. You may need to do this in two batches.
- If your child likes a finer texture, transfer the browned beef to a food processor and whiz until well chopped.
- Add the tomato and vegetable sauce to the beef.
- Stir in the tomato puree, ketchup, stock and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes, until the sauce is thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
This quick and tasty macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for busy days.
With a savory blend of lean ground beef, kidney beans, and zesty spices like cumin and chili powder, each bite is a burst of Mexican-inspired goodness.