Traditionally, bolognese is made with wine, cream and a lot of love as it’s a slow cooked sauce, but since this recipe can be whipped up in 20 minutes and doesn’t contain wine or cream, Cheater Bolognese sounds a little more fitting.

Bolognese sauce is my go-to dinner. It’s comforting, pairs well with pasta or veggie noodles and stores great as leftovers. I’m a pretty picker eater and can usually distinguish between fresh and reheated frozen, but bolognese is one that tastes great both ways. Every couple of months I make a giant batch and freeze leftovers in smaller containers for an effortless dinner. I just grab the pre spiralized zucchini and butternut squash noodles and sauté them for a few minutes and top with the previously frozen bolognese sauce.

To save time, I buy the prepared mirepoix mix from the grocery store. Trader Joe’s makes a great one, but I’ve been able to find in the produce section of any grocery store. Alternatively, you could make your own by chopping carrot, celery and onion.

Ingredients

• 1lb. grass fed ground beef OR 93% ground Turkey
• 14.5oz mirepoix mix (alternatively make your own by combining 2/3 cup each of chopped celery, carrot and onion)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 15oz. tomato sauce
• 15oz. fire roasted tomato with diced garlic
• 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 tablespoon avocado garlic oil (olive oil or avocado oil are good substitutes)
• 1 Tablespoon garlic puree
• 1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 teaspoon table salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Heat 2 Tablespoon avocado garlic oil in a large sauce pan on medium heat. Add mirepoix mix and onion and sauté until tender, 4 – 5 minutes. Sprinkle with half the salt and pepper. Add garlic and sauté an additional two minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Brown beef in pan. sprinkle with the remaining half of the salt and pepper. Cook through, approx 6 -7 minutes. Drain beef and add back to pan. Add sautéed mirepoix mix to pan. Add oregano, thyme, basil, tomato paste, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Turn heat to simmer and cover with lid for 10 – 20 minutes.
4. Serve over favorite paste or veggie noodles and top with parmesan cheese and capers.