Hearty Eggplant and Zucchini Bolognese
Embrace the flavors of summer with this hearty Eggplant and Zucchini Bolognese, a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring a medley of fresh seasonal vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and summer squash, this dish combines with a robust meat sauce to offer a satisfying and delicious meal. A hint of red wine enhances the sauce’s depth and richness, while a low and slow simmer allows the flavors to come together beautifully. Perfect over a bed of tender penne pasta, it’s a must-try recipe for any pasta lover.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
eggplant
1 small (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
zucchini
1 medium (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
summer squash
1 medium (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
lean ground beef
1 pound (none)
tomato puree
28 ounces (canned)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
red wine (optional)
1/4 cup (none)
Parmesan cheese
8 teaspoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Toss together the eggplant, zucchini, summer squash, onion, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3
Spread the vegetable mixture evenly on two 15x10-inch baking pans coated with cooking spray.
4
Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender, stirring halfway through.
5
While the vegetables are roasting, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions; drain and set aside.
6
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's browned and no longer pink; drain any excess fat.
7
Optional: Stir in the red wine with the beef and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
8
Add the tomato puree, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar to the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9
In a large pot or serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and meat sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
10
Serve the pasta topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Eggplant and Zucchini Bolognese?
This dish is a hearty twist on a classic Italian favorite, featuring seasonal summer vegetables like eggplant and zucchini combined with a robust meat sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting the vegetables?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for roasting the vegetables.
Which vegetables are included in the roasting mix?
The mixture includes small cubed eggplant, sliced zucchini, sliced summer squash, and chopped onion.
How long should the vegetables be roasted?
The vegetables should roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender, stirring halfway through.
What type of pasta is best for this Bolognese?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
Is wine required for the sauce?
The use of 1/4 cup of red wine is optional, though it enhances the depth and richness of the sauce.
How do I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
The eggplant should be peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces before roasting.
How should the zucchini and summer squash be sliced?
Both the zucchini and summer squash should be cut into 1/4-inch slices.
How do I cook the ground beef?
Cook one pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
What is the purpose of adding brown sugar to the sauce?
One tablespoon of brown sugar is added to help balance the flavors and acidity of the tomato sauce.
What kind of tomato base is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 28 ounces of canned tomato puree.
How much garlic is used in the dish?
Two teaspoons of minced garlic are tossed with the vegetables before roasting.
What seasoning is used for the meat sauce?
One tablespoon of Italian seasoning is used to flavor the meat sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Once combined with seasonings and tomato puree, the sauce should simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Gently toss the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and meat sauce together in a large pot and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
How much olive oil is needed for roasting?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to coat the vegetable mixture.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe categorized under a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is categorized as Pasta and tagged with Italian.
What size baking pans are recommended for the vegetables?
The recipe suggests using two 15x10-inch baking pans coated with cooking spray.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use different vegetables?
While this recipe features eggplant and zucchini, you could experiment with other summer squash or seasonal vegetables as desired.
What is the serving size for this dish?
The specific serving size in weight is not provided, but the recipe is portioned for 8 people.
How much Parmesan cheese is used for garnish?
The recipe uses 8 teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese across the 8 servings.
Is the onion roasted or sautéed?
The onion is roasted in the oven along with the eggplant, zucchini, and squash.
When should I add the red wine?
If using, stir the red wine into the browned beef and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol before adding the tomato puree.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, bolognese, eggplant, zucchini, summer squash, comfort food, italian, vegetable-packed, and ground beef.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
While not explicitly stated, sauces like this bolognese often store well and can be made ahead of time.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, the recipe only specifies peeling the eggplant; the zucchini is simply sliced.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside.