Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary gastronomic experience! Our Creamy Calabrian Chili Bolognese is not just another pasta sauce – it's a bold, spicy, and luxuriously creamy masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Imagine a rich, hearty meat sauce with a fiery Calabrian chili kick that perfectly balances creamy smoothness and intense flavor, bringing the authentic taste of Italian cuisine right to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: dice the onion finely, mince the garlic, and measure out all other ingredients to have them ready.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onions to the browned beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the beef and onions. Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Calabrian chili paste, which will add a rich, spicy depth to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Reduce heat to the lowest setting and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili paste as needed.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips
- For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 mix) to ensure a rich, flavorful sauce.
- When browning the beef, resist the urge to stir constantly. Let it develop a nice golden crust for deeper flavor complexity.
- Control the heat level of your sauce by gradually adding Calabrian chili paste. Start with less and taste as you go – you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- For an extra luxurious touch, let the sauce simmer longer if you have time. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Fresh parsley is not just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Pair this bolognese with pasta shapes that can hold the sauce well, like rigatoni, pappardelle, or tagliatelle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
