• Lake Life
    • Lake Life 101
    • Lake-Inspired Decor
  • Cooking
    • Tricks and Tips
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Soups and Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
    • Sauces & Dressings
  • Entertaining
    • Helpful Party Tips
    • Party Themes
    • Party Games
    • Gift Ideas
  • Organizing
    • Organize Your Home
    • Organize Your Family
    • Organize Yourself
  • Holidays
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Fourth of July/Summertime
    • All Things School
    • All Things Sports
    • Halloween
    • Fall/Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
  • And more
    • My Thoughts
    • Mom Life
    • Fitness
    • Travel
    • Fashion

Lake Life State of Mind

Create a life anchored in family & fun

  • Home
  • Start Here ⚓
    • About the Blog
    • Subscribe Today
  • Blog
  • Free Library
  • Podcast
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • “The Legal Stuff”

The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

10/06/17 | Main Dishes

41shares
  • 7

Easy Bolognese Sauce | Easy Dinner Ideas | One pot meal

Today is one of those days where you just feel like staying in your pajamas and laying in your cozy bed for hours. Do you know those kind of days? The kind where you wake up in the morning and it seems like the sun never came up. Where it’s overcast outside and there’s a persistent drizzle that just won’t stop. On days like these I almost always crave a meal that’s comforting and full of flavor. I have a recipe for The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever! that will most definitely satisfy your craving.

The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

Rainy Day on the Lake

Not only is my bolognese sauce delicious, but it’s simple to prepare. That’s a win/win situation because the less time you spend in the kitchen means the more time you have in your jammies! Or you could use this time to tackle something on your “To Do List”. I personally used this extra time to make lunches for “the boys” for the following day. Have you been using the “Prioritizing My To-Do List” printable? It’s just one of the freebies I made to help you on the road to ORGANIZATIONAL bliss. Make sure to subscribe to my site to receive it. 🙂

In addition to being comforting and scrumptious, this easy bolognese sauce is a healthy option you can add to your weekly meal rotation. I made this particular bolognese sauce with ground chicken breast and substituted the regular pasta for spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash is currently in season during the fall and winter months so it was on sale at the grocery store.

Over the summer, when summer squash was in season, I used my spiralizer to make zucchini pasta to go with my bolognese. I’m absolutely in love with my spiralizer. You can literally spiralize a zucchini in 10 seconds flat. If you don’t have a spiralizer try checking out the produce section of your grocery store. My store carries zucchini spiralized for you. Pretty awesome!

If you don’t care about the calories, and vegetables scare you, substitute regular ground beef in your bolognese and serve it over any pasta you choose. You can really be naughty and add a side of Texas Cheese Toast. Delicious.

So what do I need to make The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

1 pound ground meat (I used ground chicken breast), 15 oz can tomato sauce, 6 oz can tomato paste, 1 tbsp chili powder (adds just enough heat), 1 ½  tsps salt, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp pepper, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 dried bay leaf, 1 large carrot (chopped), 1/2  yellow onion (chopped), 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1 spaghetti squash per 2 people

First thing you need to do is turn your oven on to 350 degrees to roast your spaghetti squash. You’ll need 1 spaghetti squash for every two people. I ended up getting two because we are a family of three and had one half of a squash left over. Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray. You’ll have to cut your spaghetti squash in half to cook them. Warning! This takes a ton of elbow grease. The center of a spaghetti squash has seeds so you’ll have to scoop them out.

The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

Sprinkle the squash with salt and pepper and lay them cut side down on the baking sheet. Put in the oven and roast for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender all the way out to the skin of the squash.

The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

The bolognese sauce is beyond easy. Add all the ingredients listed in the ingredients section except the spaghetti squash into your pot. Take note that some of the ingredients need to be chopped 🙂 You don’t have to brown the meat, saute the veggies, or any of that crazy stuff. Told you this was easy. Put a lid on it and cook over medium heat for an hour which is the same time it will take for the squash to cook. Perfection, right?!?! Make sure to stir every 10-15 minutes so you don’t burn the bottom.

The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

Once the ground chicken starts to cook you can break it up with your spoon so it distributes throughout the sauce. You want the sauce to thicken up but if it thickens up too much just add a little bit of water. When the sauce is finished cooking, pull out the dried bay leaf and send it to the trash.

The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

 

After the hour is finished you can pull the spaghetti squash out of the oven. It will be extremely hot so you can either wait a little until you can handle it without burning your fingers off, or you can use a kitchen towel to hold the squash. Totally up to you! Take a fork and start pulling away at the flesh of the squash. It will look like spaghetti, duh!

The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

 

Put some spaghetti squash on your plate, spoon bolognese sauce on top and sprinkle with some parmesan cheese if that’s your style. It’s definitely ours.

 

And Viola! You just made the Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!

Slightly modified from this recipe  featured on the Food Network.

*A couple of notes:

I never have large carrots in my refrigerator but I always have baby carrots or matchstick carrots for salads and lunch boxes. Listen, a carrot is a carrot. Just chop up what you think would be equivalent to a large carrot and you’re fine. No one will know!

I used a dried bay leaf in this recipe. You can find them where the seasonings are at your grocery store. You can get fresh bay leaves in your produce department but I find that I can never use all the leaves in the package before they go bad.  I opt for the dried version instead. I have used dried and fresh bay leaves in this bolognese sauce and didn’t taste a difference.

The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!
 
Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
1 hour
Total time
1 hour 15 mins
 
Try this recipe for "The Easiest Bolognese Sauce, Ever!" It's the perfect dish to satisfy that comfort food craving you've been having. Enjoy!
Author: Tiffany @ Lake Life State of Mind
Recipe type: Main Dish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground meat (I used ground chicken breast)
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 ½ tsps salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1 large carrot (chopped)
  • ½ yellow onion (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 spaghetti squash per 2 people
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees to roast your spaghetti squash. Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out seeds. Sprinkle the squash with salt and pepper and lay them cut side down on the baking sheet. Put in the oven and roast for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender all the way out to the skin of the squash.
  2. Add all the ingredients listed in the ingredients section except the spaghetti squash into your pot. Put a lid on it and cook over medium heat for an hour. Make sure to stir every 10-15 minutes so you don’t burn the bottom. Once the ground chicken starts to cook you can break it up with your spoon so it distributes throughout the sauce. You want the sauce to thicken up but if it thickens up too much just add a little bit of water. When the sauce is finished cooking, pull out the dried bay leaf and send it to the trash.
  3. After the hour is finished you can pull the spaghetti squash out of the oven. It will be extremely hot so you can either wait a little until you can handle it or you can use a kitchen towel to hold it. Take a fork and start pulling away at the flesh of the squash.
  4. Put some spaghetti squash on your plate, spoon bolognese sauce on top and sprinkle with some parmesan cheese.
  5. Enjoy!
3.5.3228

More from my site

  • How to Organize Your Grocery ListHow to Organize Your Grocery List
  • Pantry Organization InspirationPantry Organization Inspiration
  • How to Host a Budget-Friendly Wine TastingHow to Host a Budget-Friendly Wine Tasting
  • Easy Apple Cider Mimosa RecipeEasy Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe
  • Simple and Beautiful Easter Decor For Your KitchenSimple and Beautiful Easter Decor For Your Kitchen
  • Strawberry Vodka LemonadeStrawberry Vodka Lemonade

Comments | Be the first!

« Oh, Yes, It’s Ladies’ Night
Simple and Delicious Israeli Salad »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I'm a wife, mom of a teenager, coffee addict, sunshine obsessed Florida girl, and a lover of lake life. On this lifestyle blog, I share all things fun and creative! You’ll find simple recipes, organizing and entertaining tips, holiday inspiration, and of course, a big dose of lake life living. It’s my mission to help you create a life anchored in family and fun. ⚓️

Read More...

Search The Site

Stay Connected!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

lakelifestateofmind

547 1,865

Lake Life State of Mind

Tiffany | Lake Life+Style Blog

lakelifestateofmind

View

Apr 13

Open
Zach’s 18 today and I think we’re in shock! Happy Birthday to the boy who stole our hearts 18 years ago and still continues to do so each and every day. Your warm heart, compassion, and love for your family are just a few of the many things we love about the person you are. Keep dreaming big and never let up on your goals and ambitions. You’re destined for greatness, Zach. We’re so proud to call you our son! Love Always, Mom and Dad 💓
@zach_hernandez413 
#happy18thbirthday #happy18th #happy18 #happybirthday #happybirthdayson #thisis18 #happiestbirthday #happiestofbirthdays #proudparents #proudmother #proudfather #proudofyou #adulthood_begins #loveyouson

Zach’s 18 today and I think we’re in shock! Happy Birthday to the boy who stole our hearts 18 years ago and still continues to do so each and every day. Your warm heart, compassion, and love for your family are just a few of the many things we love about the person you are. Keep dreaming big and never let up on your goals and ambitions. You’re destined for greatness, Zach. We’re so proud to call you our son! Love Always, Mom and Dad 💓
@zach_hernandez413
#happy18thbirthday #happy18th #happy18 #happybirthday #happybirthdayson #thisis18 #happiestbirthday #happiestofbirthdays #proudparents #proudmother #proudfather #proudofyou #adulthood_begins #loveyouson
...

146 123

lakelifestateofmind

View

Apr 9

Open
Today’s my 39th birthday and one of my requests was to get a family photo by the lake that met my standards with no complaining from the peanut gallery! I am happy to report my wish was granted but not without some funny business taking place in the process. Check out my stories for the “behind the scenes” of our little photo shoot. All I can say is I love these guys. Time to head out to dinner! Melting Pot anyone?!💓💓💓
.
#happybirthday #happybirthdaytome #happybirthdaytoyou #thisis39 #familytime #familyiseverything #familyfirst❤️ #familyislove #familyisforever #lakelife #lakelifestyle #lakelifestateofmind #lakefamily #happiestofbirthdays

Today’s my 39th birthday and one of my requests was to get a family photo by the lake that met my standards with no complaining from the peanut gallery! I am happy to report my wish was granted but not without some funny business taking place in the process. Check out my stories for the “behind the scenes” of our little photo shoot. All I can say is I love these guys. Time to head out to dinner! Melting Pot anyone?!💓💓💓
.
#happybirthday #happybirthdaytome #happybirthdaytoyou #thisis39 #familytime #familyiseverything #familyfirst❤️ #familyislove #familyisforever #lakelife #lakelifestyle #lakelifestateofmind #lakefamily #happiestofbirthdays
...

190 150

lakelifestateofmind

View

Apr 5

Open
Love this new sign we put up in the yard yesterday! I saw this definition for “home” online and it really spoke to me: “A home is any place where you are comfortable, and feel as if you can be yourself. A home is a place where you just feed off of positive energy and feel free. It does not matter whether your home is outside in nature or in a house, as long as your heart is there.” 🏡 
Besides my actual house that I live in, I found myself reflecting on other places I’ve experienced that would also constitute as home for me per this definition. Some of these places are my mom’s house, my old classrooms during my teaching days, and my tiny space on the internet that I share with you all. Besides the house you live in, where’s somewhere else you feel right at HOME at? I’d love to know!
#home #homelover #houseandhome #houseahome #happyhome #happyhomelife #happylife❤️ #happylifestyle #happyliving #stayawhile #positivespace #lakelifestateofmind

Love this new sign we put up in the yard yesterday! I saw this definition for “home” online and it really spoke to me: “A home is any place where you are comfortable, and feel as if you can be yourself. A home is a place where you just feed off of positive energy and feel free. It does not matter whether your home is outside in nature or in a house, as long as your heart is there.” 🏡
Besides my actual house that I live in, I found myself reflecting on other places I’ve experienced that would also constitute as home for me per this definition. Some of these places are my mom’s house, my old classrooms during my teaching days, and my tiny space on the internet that I share with you all. Besides the house you live in, where’s somewhere else you feel right at HOME at? I’d love to know!
#home #homelover #houseandhome #houseahome #happyhome #happyhomelife #happylife❤️ #happylifestyle #happyliving #stayawhile #positivespace #lakelifestateofmind
...

105 60

lakelifestateofmind

View

Apr 4

Open
Happy Easter from our family to yours! Like I say every year, you’re never too old to get a visit from the Easter Bunny🐰 I kind of think it’s pretty adorable that 18 Easters later, Zach is still getting Superhero goodies with his basket...and he is just as excited about getting them as his 5 year old little self was.❤️💙❤️💙
.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!💓
#nevertooold #keepthemlittle #easter #easterbasket #easterdecor #easter2021 #easter2021🐣🐇 #easterbunny #eastersunday #easterday #happyeaster #happyeaster🐰 #happyeaster🐣 #lakelifestateofmind

Happy Easter from our family to yours! Like I say every year, you’re never too old to get a visit from the Easter Bunny🐰 I kind of think it’s pretty adorable that 18 Easters later, Zach is still getting Superhero goodies with his basket...and he is just as excited about getting them as his 5 year old little self was.❤️💙❤️💙
.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!💓
#nevertooold #keepthemlittle #easter #easterbasket #easterdecor #easter2021 #easter2021🐣🐇 #easterbunny #eastersunday #easterday #happyeaster #happyeaster🐰 #happyeaster🐣 #lakelifestateofmind
...

145 87

lakelifestateofmind

View

Apr 3

Open
Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend from the lake! Hope you have something amazing planned.⚓️ 
.
#views #viewsfordays #viewsonviews #views😍 #viewslikethese #viewsaddict #lakeview #lakeviews #lakelife #lakelifeisthebestlife #lakelifelove #lakelifelivin #lakelifeliving #sunset #sunsetvibes #sunsetlovers #sunsetphotography #sunsets #sunsetlove #sunsets_captures #sunsetlover #sunsetgram #sunsethunter #sunsetmadness #sunsetporn #sunsetsky #sunsetsky #sunsetshots #lakelifestateofmind

Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend from the lake! Hope you have something amazing planned.⚓️
.
#views #viewsfordays #viewsonviews #views😍 #viewslikethese #viewsaddict #lakeview #lakeviews #lakelife #lakelifeisthebestlife #lakelifelove #lakelifelivin #lakelifeliving #sunset #sunsetvibes #sunsetlovers #sunsetphotography #sunsets #sunsetlove #sunsets_captures #sunsetlover #sunsetgram #sunsethunter #sunsetmadness #sunsetporn #sunsetsky #sunsetsky #sunsetshots #lakelifestateofmind
...

140 98

lakelifestateofmind

View

Apr 2

Open
Guess who’s going to be two weeks old tomorrow?!!! Our precious little Forge is growing so quickly. He officially opened his eyes this week and is looking cuter than ever. I’ve been sharing daily pictures of him in my stories but this one was too cute not to share in my feed, don’t you think?!💙💙💙
.
Photo credit @karinrromero 
#puppylove #puppylife #puppygram #puppydog #boxersofinstagram #boxerpuppy #boxerpuppies #boxerdog #boxerlove #boxersarethebest #preciousmoments #perfection #sweetpuppy #sweetpuppyface #sweetpup #sweetpuppy #losingapet #lakelifestateofmind

Guess who’s going to be two weeks old tomorrow?!!! Our precious little Forge is growing so quickly. He officially opened his eyes this week and is looking cuter than ever. I’ve been sharing daily pictures of him in my stories but this one was too cute not to share in my feed, don’t you think?!💙💙💙
.
Photo credit @karinrromero
#puppylove #puppylife #puppygram #puppydog #boxersofinstagram #boxerpuppy #boxerpuppies #boxerdog #boxerlove #boxersarethebest #preciousmoments #perfection #sweetpuppy #sweetpuppyface #sweetpup #sweetpuppy #losingapet #lakelifestateofmind
...

223 106
Load More... Follow Me Instagram

Lake Life State of Mind Blog

Lake Life State of Mind Blog

Lake Life State of Mind Blog

The Latest and The Greatest

Easy Easter Bunny Mason Jars

Easy Easter Bunny Mason Jars

posted in Easter, Holidays

Stitch Fix Box Review for January 2021

Stitch Fix Box Review for January 2021

posted in And more, Fashion

Connect with me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Categories

Archives

Copyright© 2021·Tasteful Themeby Lake Life State of Mind