Simple Bolognese

Thanks for all your sweet comments yesterday!  We worked extra hard to make sure to get it done so that I could share it with all of you!  If you have any suggestions on how we might style it {and get better photos!} that would be great.  I always learn so much for you!

This week's recipe is a simple bolognese.  Why is it simple, you ask?  Well mainly because I did not cook it!  :)  My parents-in-law had us over for dinner Saturday night and whipped up this fabulous dish!  Hubby and I have learned a lot about cooking together from his parents...I think it's a neat tradition and has set a great example for Ryan and his siblings.  OH and Mama Schue recently got started on Twitter {show her some love! @mamaschue1}. 

This recipe comes courtesy of our favorite, Barefoot Contessa!  She really can do no wrong!  :)

• 2 tablespoons good olive oil, plus extra to cook the pasta
• 1 pound lean ground sirloin
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/4 cups dry red wine, divided
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 pound dried pasta, such as orecchiette or small shells
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat has lost its pink color and has started to brown. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. Pour 1 cup of the wine into the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt, a splash of oil, and the pasta, and cook according to the directions on the box.

While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce. Add the nutmeg, basil, cream, and the remaining 1/4 cup wine to the sauce and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. When the pasta is cooked, drain and pour into a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan and toss well. Serve hot with Parmesan on the side.

This is the perfect meal for a week night...warm and cozy too!  It's got lots of rich flavor and is perfect with some crusty bread and a green salad!  :)

Hope you enjoy!  Bon Appetit!

xo natasha

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays

P.S. I am super excited to be guest posting at two awesome blogs today!

Lesley is featuring me on her new & inspiration series: LIFT!  Check it out here!

Viv is featuring my favorite fall palette!  Check it out here!

Thanks to both of these girls for having me today!  xo