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Bootleg Bolognese

This Bootleg Bolognese is as easy as it gets and tastes just as good as from-scratch versions. Try it with some gluten-free pasta for a weeknight dinner
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: bolognese, bootleg bolognese, marinara, meat sauce

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 28 ounces jarred marinara such as Rao’s brand
  • 10 ounces baby spinach
  • 1 12- ounce box gluten-free spaghetti such as Jovial brown rice pasta
  • Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
  • freshly grated pecorino Romano for serving (optional)
  • Italian chili oil optional

Instructions

  • Using your hands, form the beef into large meatballs. It’s OK if they are not all the same size. Set aside.
  • Preheat a sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add oil and heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs and cook until browned, around 6 minutes. Flip and brown the other side, around 6 minutes. Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, break the meat apart until it is well crumbled. If the meat releases any moisture, cook until it has evaporated.
  • Add the jarred marinara and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 60 minutes. You can cook it for less time but it won’t allow for the beef to soften or the flavours to come together.
  • Add the spinach, stir through and cook until wilted, around 4 minutes. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • 20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with 1 tablespoon of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of cooking liquid.
  • Add 2 cups of sauce and the reserved pasta water to the drained pasta and toss to combine. Plate the pasta in individual serving bowls, spoon over a bit more of the meat sauce and garnish with cheese and chili oil, if using.