High Protein Bolognese

When it comes to pasta, I like to consider myself an “enthusiast" if you will. When I first became gluten free, I was terrified of not being able to eat my favorite cuisine: Italian. With a few tweaks, this version of the beloved Bolognese becomes gluten free and high protein, sayyy whattt??  Bolognese is a comforting dish made with a savory meat and wine sauce full of balanced flavors and aromatics.

Eating this dish will transport you to a cozy dining experience while still fueling your body and not feeling guilty about it. 

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 preferred)

• 1 pack of diced pancetta

• 1 cup heavy cream (Can use coconut milk for dairy free option)

• 1 cup red wine 

• 1 can whole peeled tomatoes (My favorite is San Merican)

• 4 Tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup beef bone broth

• Jovial tagliatelle gf pasta (my favorite)

• Fresh thyme 

• Fresh basil 

• Salt and pepper, to taste 

Instructions:

1. Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Form your ground beef into little balls and place one by one into your pot. This allows the ground beef to brown on each side and get those crispy bits that we all love! Turn the meatballs a few times until all sides are crispy and remove from your pot and set aside. 

2. In the same pot add in your pancetta and cook for a few minutes until crispy. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, basil and thyme. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add back in your ground beef and break it up into smaller pieces. Let everything cook together for a few minutes to develop our solid flavor base. 

3. Add your tomato paste and stir thoroughly. Pour in your red wine and continue to stir. This will deglaze the pot and lift any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce for about 5 minutes. Next add the bone broth and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. This will allow majority of the liquid to soak into the mixture and allow for maximum flavor. 

4. Once majority of the liquid is absorbed add in your can of tomatoes, making sure to crush them thoroughly with your hands before adding them to the pot. This is where the sauce begins to take on the classic Bolognese color and richness. 

5. Add in the cream and bring it to a simmer. Tuck in an herb bundle (I like thyme & rosemary) and a parmesan rind if you have it. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more depth of flavor it will have. If you feel like your sauce is thickening too much add more bone broth. 

6. Once the sauce is thick and flavorful, remove the herb bundle and parmesan rind and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a bit more salt and pepper to your liking. 

7. Salt your pasta bring and bring to a boil, add your pasta and cook al dente.

8. Serve your Bolognese over your freshly cooked pasta. It is best served over tagliatelle or pappardelle. I use Jovial foods gluten free Tagliatelle. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh basil. Enjoy!

Making Bolognese takes patience and let me tell you, the longer it takes the better it will taste. It is key to not rush the simmering process of the sauce or else you wont achieve the depth of flavor we want. Making a comforting meal that is not only good for you, but high protein is the intersection of greatness. By using bone broth instead of beef stock, it not only adds flavor but vital nutrients like collagen and glycine, and adds anti-inflammatory properties while adding to the protein content of the dish. Using high quality meat is also essential in this dish. I use organic grass fed, grass finished beef from Butcher Box. Sourcing your protein sources correctly will make a huge difference in any dish that you create! 

This gluten free, high protein Bolognese recipe is a true labor of love that rewards you with a rich, hearty sauce perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Whether you're following a gluten-free diet or just looking to get more protein into your meals, this hearty sauce will keep you full and happy.  The slow cooked flavors that develop are unmatched. You’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation for years to come, not to mention your house will smell like you are in an Italian kitchen.