Weeknight Skillet Beef Bolognese
A streamlined meat sauce using ground beef, onions, garlic, and canned crushed tomatoes that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
Diet labels (High Protein) describe the recipe as written. Check packaged ingredients such as broth, spice blends and sauces for allergens and gluten. More on food safety.
10 mins
25 mins
35 mins
Easy
A streamlined meat sauce using ground beef, onions, garlic, and canned crushed tomatoes that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
Ingredients
(8 items)- [ ]1 lb Ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
- [ ]1 medium, finely minced Yellow onion
- [ ]4 cloves, minced Garlic cloves
- [ ]1 can (28 oz) Canned crushed tomatoes
- [ ]1 tsp Dried oregano or basil
- [ ]12 oz (rigatoni or spaghetti) Pasta of choice
- [ ]1 tbsp Olive oil
- [ ]To taste Salt and black pepper
Substitutions:
- • Ground beef → Ground turkey, ground pork, or brown lentils
Instructions
- 1.
Heat olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into pieces with a wooden spoon.
- 2.
Cook beef undisturbed for 4 minutes to achieve deep brown caramelization, then stir and cook until no pink remains (about 6 minutes total).
- 3.
Push beef to the sides, add minced onion to the center, and sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
- 4.
Add minced garlic and dried herbs; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to thicken and concentrate flavors.
- 6.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss directly into the meat sauce with a splash of pasta cooking water.
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Ingredients
(Tap or press Space to check off)Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into pieces with a wooden spoon.
Cook beef undisturbed for 4 minutes to achieve deep brown caramelization, then stir and cook until no pink remains (about 6 minutes total).
Push beef to the sides, add minced onion to the center, and sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and dried herbs; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to thicken and concentrate flavors.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss directly into the meat sauce with a splash of pasta cooking water.
Ingredient Substitutions
- If you don't have Ground beef: replace with Ground turkey, ground pork, or brown lentils.
Food Safety & Leftovers
Safe Temperatures: Ensure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ground beef 160°F (71°C), and eggs are cooked until whites are completely set.
Cooking Notes
Tips and food-safety notes for this recipe
- ✓Browning the beef deeply before adding liquids creates Maillard reaction compounds that give quick sauces all-day flavor.
Times are estimates for a typical home kitchen. Spotted a mistake? See our corrections policy.
Ingredients Used in This Dish
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