“Spaghetti” doesn’t happen often around here and every time I make this recipe for Quick Bolognese Sauce I ask myself why.  Its like one of those basic recipes that I forget to come back to. But just yesterday, as the leaves began to fall a bit, I took a break from grilling and salads and lightness galore and ended up with this pot of gold on my stove.

Bolognese sauces typically have to be simmered and stewed for long periods of time to meld all of the wonderful flavors.  So the reason I always migrate to this recipe is because I can make it on a whim without sacraficing one ounce on the taste; I just need a few pantry staples and about 40 minutes of time-start to finish.

It could be the richness of the balsamic vinegar that adds immediate depth to the sauce or the fact that it is filled with savory pork and beef but I am telling you…”Spaghetti” is never, ever served another way in this home.  Husband devoured and kid rejoiced.

Quick Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Pound Ground Beef

3/4 Pound Ground Pork

5 Large Garlic Cloves, finely chopped

1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano

2 Teaspoons Salt

3/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper

2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste

1/2 Cup Balsamic Vinegar

1- 28 Ounce Can Peeled Tomatoes

1-15 Ounce Can Tomato Sauce

Chopped Basil, for garnish

Directions

Heat olive oil in a pot or dutch oven over medium high heat.  Add beef and pork and cook until browned, stirring often.  Drain and return to the pot.

Add garlic, oregano, salt and pepper to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.      Stir in the tomato paste and then the balsamic vinegar.  Let cook for 1 minute.  Add the peeled tomatoes and tomato sauce and stir, breaking up the tomatoes with the back of your spoon.  Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Garnish with basil and serve over quinoa or brown rice pasta or polenta.