Beef Bolognese with Basil and Bocconcini
This hearty, delicious, comforting chilli bolognese is one of our family staples. It is one of my husband’s favourite pasta recipes and requests it often. What makes it special is subtle warmth chilli flakes, the light taste and texture of the bocconcini and the freshness of the basil. If you are not a spice fan you can leave out the chilli flakes and still tastes incredible!
One tip to making a delicious bolognese is to really give it the time and love it needs to develop and intensify the flavours. Taste along the way and add little extra here and there with whatever you feel to intensify the flavour.
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- Drizzle of olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- 1 Teaspoon of dried chilli flakes
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb
- 500grams of lean mince
- Pinch of sea salt
- ½ cup of balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup of tomato paste
- 1.5 cups of beef stock
- 2 x tins of crushed tomatoes
- Fresh Basil
- Tub of Baby bocconcini cut in half
Instructions
- Heat oil over high heat in a deep heavy bottom pan.
- Add onion, garlic, chilli and thyme and cook for 3-4 mins until soften and fragrant
- Add the mince and cook for 10 mins until browned.
- Season with salt and pepper while breaking up any lumps.
- In a jug or bowl add vinegar, tomato paste and beef stock and stir to combine
- Add to mince, stir and bring to a boil then turn down to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 30mins giving it a stir every couple mins.
- Add cheese and cook for a further few mins until cheese has softened.
Serve with fresh basil.
Suggested pasta: spaghetti, fettuccini or pappardelle
Highly recommend serving with crispy, garlic and herb Turkish bread!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
What is mince?
Tina, mince is what American’s call ground beef