Spaghetti and Spicy Minced Pork Bolognese (1 Hr, 15 Mins)

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Spicy minced pork Bolognese is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring ground pork and a kick of heat.

This hearty and flavorful sauce is perfect for serving over a bed of spaghetti, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

The combination of rich tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and spicy pork makes this dish a standout for any pasta night.

Let’s get cooking and bring this spicy Bolognese to your table!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Bolognese:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
For serving:
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables (5 minutes): Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
  2. Cook the aromatics (5 minutes): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Brown the pork (5 minutes): Add the ground pork to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Deglaze with wine (3 minutes): Pour in the red wine and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add tomatoes and spices (5 minutes): Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add milk and finish the sauce (10 minutes): Stir in the whole milk and continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  7. Cook the spaghetti (10 minutes): While the sauce is finishing, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  8. Combine and serve (5 minutes): Add a portion of the sauce to the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat. Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and top with additional Bolognese sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

This Bolognese can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months.

Simply reheat and serve over freshly cooked spaghetti. Enjoy this spicy, comforting dish with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (basked on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a fan favorite that brings out the vegetable's natural sweetness, complemented by a smoky char. Start by slicing your zucchini lengthwise into planks, not too thin to ensure they hold up on the grill. Lightly brush them with olive oil on both sides to keep them from sticking and to enhance that delicious grill flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and maybe a touch of pepper or your favorite herbs. Once your grill is nice and hot, lay those zucchini slices down and listen to that satisfying sizzle. Grill for a few minutes on each side until you've got those hallmark grill marks and the zucchini is tender with a slight crunch.

Simple Tossed Salad

Start by tearing your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a cool and crunchy base. Thinly slice a red onion, adding a pop of color and a zesty kick. For a refreshing crunch, slice up some cucumber, and for a sweet contrast, add in slivers of red pepper. Once your components are prepped and in the bowl, give everything a good toss, ensuring the ingredients are mixed and every bite will have a little bit of everything. For a simple dressing, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the top, adding a burst of citrusy brightness.

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