Introduction: Can a Quick Pasta Dish Feel Like a Long-Simmered Classic?
Craving a comforting Bolognese that fits into a busy weeknight? Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese, created by Genevieve Ko, delivers the soul-soothing depth of traditional Bolognese in just 35 minutes. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 2,721 reviews, this recipe uses red curry paste for instant flavor and cream for richness. Ready to whip up a pasta dish that’s both fast and indulgent? Let’s dive into this weeknight masterpiece!
Overview: Why Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese Shines
Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese is loved for its bold flavors, quick prep, and versatility. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking, totaling 35 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires browning, simmering, and tossing, ideal for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: Ground beef is seared for caramelized depth, red curry paste adds nuanced heat, and cream creates a velvety sauce. This recipe serves 4-6, perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings.
Ideal with short, curled pasta to catch the sauce or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
Essential Ingredients
Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese uses simple ingredients for a rich, flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4-6 servings:
- Salt and black pepper: Seasons the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef (at least 20% fat): Provides rich, caramelized flavor.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds sweet depth.
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped: Contributes sweetness and texture.
- 2-3 tablespoons red curry paste: Infuses nuanced heat and complexity.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the savory base.
- 1 pound short, curled pasta (e.g., pipettes, rigatoni): Catches the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a creamy, rich finish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Higher fat content (20%) ensures rich, caramelized flavor.
- Red Curry Paste: Adds instant depth without overpowering.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides a tangy, robust base.
- Heavy Cream: Balances heat with velvety richness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, pork, or plant-based meat for vegan.
- Red Curry Paste: Use 1-2 teaspoons chili powder or harissa for different heat profiles.
- Tomato Sauce: Replace with crushed tomatoes or passata.
- Pasta: Use any short pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli) or gluten-free pasta.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half, coconut milk, or plant-based cream for vegan.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat and coconut milk or vegan cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta; ensure curry paste is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Milder Bolognese: Reduce curry paste to 1 tablespoon or use mild chili paste.
- Vegetable-Packed Bolognese: Add 1 cup diced zucchini or mushrooms with the carrots.
- Cheesy Bolognese: Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan with the cream.
- Herb-Infused Bolognese: Add 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano with the curry paste.
- Spicy Sausage Bolognese: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese is a fast, one-pot process that yields a comforting pasta dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: salt, pepper, 1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2-3 tablespoons red curry paste, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 pound pasta, 1 cup heavy cream.
- Finely chop onion and carrots; bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Tip: Chop vegetables while beef cooks to save time; use a food processor for quick chopping.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over high heat until very hot.
- Add 1 pound ground beef, smushing into a single layer; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring to break into tiny bits, until cooked through, 4-5 minutes.
Tip: Spread beef evenly for maximum browning; don’t overcrowd the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Push beef to one side of the pot; add chopped onion and carrots to the beef fat on the other side.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally with the beef, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Use the beef fat for flavor; stir gently to keep vegetables distinct.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Add 2-3 tablespoons red curry paste (2 for mild, 3 for spicy); stir until darkened, 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in 1 can tomato sauce; fill the can one-third with water, swish, and add to the pot.
- Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer while pasta cooks.
Tip: Adjust curry paste to taste; simmer gently to meld flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- Cook 1 pound pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, following package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water; drain pasta.
Tip: Check pasta early to avoid overcooking; save pasta water for sauce adjustments.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Add drained pasta to the simmering sauce; stir in 1 cup heavy cream.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper; add reserved pasta water for a thinner sauce if desired.
- Serve hot, dividing into 4-6 portions (about 1-1 ½ cups per serving).
- Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or holiday dishes like French lentil salad.
Tip: Stir cream gently to blend; serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Weeknight Bolognese
Making Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese is all about balancing bold flavors and textures. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Ground Beef: Caramelized for deep, savory flavor.
- Vegetables: Onion and carrots add sweetness and texture.
- Curry Paste: Brings nuanced heat and complexity.
- Creamy Sauce: Heavy cream softens the spice for a velvety finish.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce-coated pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for extra flair.
- Pair with holiday dishes like chicken Florentine or desserts like Dubai chocolate for a festive spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese is great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep vegetables up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate.
- Make sauce up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate and reheat before adding fresh-cooked pasta.
- Reheating: Reheat sauce in a saucepan over medium-low with a splash of cream or water, stirring gently, for 5-7 minutes. Microwave in 30-second bursts, covered, until hot.
- Tip: Cook pasta fresh when reheating sauce for best texture.
Recipe Variations
Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Mushroom Bolognese: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the vegetables.
- Vegan Bolognese: Use plant-based meat and coconut milk or vegan cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta; ensure curry paste is gluten-free.
- Milder Bolognese: Reduce curry paste to 1 tablespoon and add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Cheesy Bolognese: Top with ½ cup shredded mozzarella before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal (varies with pasta and cream amounts).
- Protein: High, from ground beef.
- Fat: High, from beef and cream.
- Carbs: High, from pasta.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Quick, Soul-Soothing Bliss!
Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese is the pasta dish that brings rich, comforting flavors to your table in under an hour. With its caramelized beef, spicy curry kick, and creamy sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy gatherings. Fast, flavorful, and versatile, this recipe is sure to become a go-to. So, grab your pot, whip up this Bolognese masterpiece, and enjoy a burst of warmth. We’d love to hear how your dish turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese
Description
Craving a comforting Bolognese that fits into a busy weeknight? Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese, created by Genevieve Ko, delivers the soul-soothing depth of traditional Bolognese in just 35 minutes. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 2,721 reviews, this recipe uses red curry paste for instant flavor and cream for richness
Ingredients
Spicy, Creamy Weeknight Bolognese uses simple ingredients for a rich, flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4-6 servings:
- Salt and black pepper: Seasons the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef (at least 20% fat): Provides rich, caramelized flavor.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds sweet depth.
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped: Contributes sweetness and texture.
- 2–3 tablespoons red curry paste: Infuses nuanced heat and complexity.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the savory base.
- 1 pound short, curled pasta (e.g., pipettes, rigatoni): Catches the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a creamy, rich finish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Higher fat content (20%) ensures rich, caramelized flavor.
- Red Curry Paste: Adds instant depth without overpowering.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides a tangy, robust base.
- Heavy Cream: Balances heat with velvety richness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, pork, or plant-based meat for vegan.
- Red Curry Paste: Use 1-2 teaspoons chili powder or harissa for different heat profiles.
- Tomato Sauce: Replace with crushed tomatoes or passata.
- Pasta: Use any short pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli) or gluten-free pasta.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half, coconut milk, or plant-based cream for vegan.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat and coconut milk or vegan cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta; ensure curry paste is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Milder Bolognese: Reduce curry paste to 1 tablespoon or use mild chili paste.
- Vegetable-Packed Bolognese: Add 1 cup diced zucchini or mushrooms with the carrots.
- Cheesy Bolognese: Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan with the cream.
- Herb-Infused Bolognese: Add 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano with the curry paste.
- Spicy Sausage Bolognese: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: salt, pepper, 1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2-3 tablespoons red curry paste, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 pound pasta, 1 cup heavy cream.
- Finely chop onion and carrots; bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Tip: Chop vegetables while beef cooks to save time; use a food processor for quick chopping.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over high heat until very hot.
- Add 1 pound ground beef, smushing into a single layer; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring to break into tiny bits, until cooked through, 4-5 minutes.
Tip: Spread beef evenly for maximum browning; don’t overcrowd the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Push beef to one side of the pot; add chopped onion and carrots to the beef fat on the other side.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally with the beef, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Use the beef fat for flavor; stir gently to keep vegetables distinct.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Add 2-3 tablespoons red curry paste (2 for mild, 3 for spicy); stir until darkened, 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in 1 can tomato sauce; fill the can one-third with water, swish, and add to the pot.
- Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer while pasta cooks.
Tip: Adjust curry paste to taste; simmer gently to meld flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- Cook 1 pound pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, following package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water; drain pasta.
Tip: Check pasta early to avoid overcooking; save pasta water for sauce adjustments.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Add drained pasta to the simmering sauce; stir in 1 cup heavy cream.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper; add reserved pasta water for a thinner sauce if desired.
- Serve hot, dividing into 4-6 portions (about 1-1 ½ cups per serving).
- Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or holiday dishes like French lentil salad.
Tip: Stir cream gently to blend; serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
FAQs
1. Why is my sauce not flavorful?
Insufficient seasoning or mild curry paste can cause this; taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra curry paste.
2. Can I use lean ground beef?
Yes, but 20% fat adds richer flavor; add 1 tablespoon olive oil if using leaner beef.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written; use gluten-free pasta and ensure curry paste is gluten-free.
4. Why is my sauce too thick?
Insufficient liquid or over-simmering can cause this; add reserved pasta water or broth to thin.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Make sauce ahead and refrigerate; cook pasta fresh for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Beef provides protein and iron; carrots offer vitamins; high in fat and carbs, enjoy in moderation.