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This baby bolognese was developed with babies and toddlers in mind but is perfect for big kids and adults who are trying to up their vegetable intake. It is packed with vegetables and is gently simmered to maximise flavour and texture.
5 Reasons to Love this Dish
- Iron-Rich: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, with infants and young children at the highest risk (1) Babies need iron from 6 months, therefore iron-rich recipes such as this bolognese pasta sauce are great for both babies and kids. Read more about Iron-rich foods for kids
- Packed With Vegetables: Eating a variety of vegetables is key and this bolognese is packed with four different veggies. There is close to 900g of veggies (+ 800g of tomatoes) added to this recipe.
- Family Friendly: Although this recipe was developed with babies/toddlers in mind it is perfect for kids and adults looking to up their vegetable content without even trying/ noticing! There is no need to make a separate meal for your baby, just remove the baby portion before seasoning.
- Adaptable: Mix and match the vegetables to what you have available or what is in season. Suggestions are given below under the section "Ingredient Information with Alternative Suggestions"
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze so that you are prepared on busy weekday evenings.
Ingredient Information (With Alternative Suggestions)
For the full recipe, with ingredient amounts, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Flavour Base Veggies: Onions, celery and carrots are not just added to up the vegetable content, sautéing them in olive oil and garlic provides an excellent flavour base for the bolognese. For this reason, I do not recommend subbing these vegetables with any others. If you have a fussy eater, that has a strong dislike for any of these veggies, then see "Picky Eater Tips" below.
- Extra Veggies: Eggplant isn't something you would normally find in a bolognese but it does literally dissolve into the meat as it simmers. I don't tend to peel it but if you have children who are opposed to "bits" in their meals then peeling will make it go unnoticed. The eggplant can easily be subbed for zucchini, which dissolves into the sauce just like the eggplant. Mushrooms are great in bolognese or you could add spinach, bell pepper or peas.
- Chopped Tomatoes: You can sub with crushed tomatoes or pasatta for a smoother sauce. Check the ingredient list to ensure the tomatoes don't have additional seasonings or added salt.
- Herbs: Dried oregano and bay leaves are added but you can use Italian Mixed herbs or fresh herbs if you prefer.
Step By Steps with Photos
- Saute the onion, celery, carrots and garlic in olive oil for around 10 minutes. Don't be tempted to skip/rush this step, it really does add a delicious flavour base to the bolognese.
- Increase the heat to high, add the ground beef and continuously stir/ break down the meat until it is browned all over. Again, don't rush this step, a wooden spoon is great for breaking the ground beef down into nice small pieces.
- Add the oregano and tomato paste and mix with the meat. Cook for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavour.
- Add the canned tomatoes, eggplant and bay leaf bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for at least 1 hour, but if you have time aim for 2 - 2.5hrs to really bring the bolognese to another level!
Picky Eater Tips
I don't advocate hiding vegetables in kids food but if you have a particularly fussy eater, that doesn't like "bits" in their sauce, I would suggest the following.
- Mince the onion and celery (I use a food processor for this)
- Grate the carrots
- Remove the skin of the eggplant.
Serving Suggestions
- PASTA: When I think of bolognese I automatically associate it with spaghetti. Fun, messy and great for kids! For babies, I recommend a pasta shape that is easy for them to pick up (rigatoni is pictured) or the tiny baby pasta ideal for spoon-feeding. Alternatively, you can snip the spaghetti up into small pieces which makes it easy for spoon-feeding.
- ZOODLES (spiralized zucchini): I often mix spaghetti and zoodles 60% 40% to add more goodness to the plate!
- POTATO: Delicious served in a baked potato or sweet potato.
- QUESADILLA: Add leftovers to a quesadilla for a yummy lunch.
Storage Instructions
Bolognese only tastes better the next day, so it is perfect to make a day or two in advance and then just reheat at dinner time.
Allow to cool, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Alternatively, transfer the cooled baby bolognese to freezable containers/zip lock bags and freeze for up to two months.
Read more about storing baby food.
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Full Recipe
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Baby Bolognese
A delicious bolognese, packed with vegetables, that the whole family can enjoy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Serves:4
Hover over "serves" value to reveal recipe scaler
Equipment
- Large cooking pot / pan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Onions (brown, red or white) finely chopped
- 2 Celery Stalks finely chopped
- 2 Medium Carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 500g / 1lb Lean Beef Mince (Ground Beef)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 800g / 28oz Canned Chopped Tomatoes
- 1 small Eggplant (Aubergine) (around 400g/14oz) 1 cm / ½ inch cubed
- 2 Bay Leaves
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery and carrots and saute for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Increase the heat to high, add the ground beef and continuously stir/ break down the meat until it is browned all over and broken down into nice small pieces. (This will take around 10 mins)
- Add the oregano and tomato paste and mix with the meat. (for around 2 mins)
- Add the canned tomatoes, eggplant and bay leaf bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for at least 1 hour, but if you have time aim for 2 - 2.5hrs to really bring the bolognese to another level!
Recipe Notes
If making this dish for adults / older children then season to taste at the end of cooking.
See the above post for ingredient substitutions, picky eater tips and storage instructions.
Nutritional Information is a ROUGH guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.
Nutritional facts
Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 1327mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 5509IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 6mg
References
- Gupta PM, Perrine CG, Mei Z, Scanlon KS, Iron, Anemia, and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Young Children in the United States, NCBI, 2016 May 30 doi: 10.3390/nu8060330
This post was first published Dec 2013. It has been updated with new images, process shots and recipe information.
Ana
Just wanted to say thanks for the recipe. I think I did it at least 15 times before. It's my go-to recipe now for ragu. My daughter loves it.
Also, it freezes really well. I portion it and whenever I want a fast meal, here it is. Just defrost and add pasta <3
Amy Whiteford
That makes me so happy to hear - 15 times is amazing! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment
Linda
This is hands down the best Bolognese recipe I’ve tried . Such a bonus you can add lots of veggies too My family loves it . I usually make it on the stove, but was wondering if this will work in a slow cooker ? I can cook the mince and veg in the slow cooker (it has a temperature control for searing etc) and set it on high or low for two hours ? Will that work ? Thanks Amy 🙂
Amy
Amazing, I'm so happy you liked it Linda. Although I have not cooked this recipe in the slow cooker I think it would work as long as you brown the veg and beef as you suggested. I'd say high for 2-3 hours and low if you want a longer cooking time. I normally reduce the liquid when I convert to slow cooker recipes but this recipe doesn't have a lot of liquid so I think it would be good as is. I would love to know if it worked for you.
Linda
It worked ! I will be making it in the slow cooker from now on! I used the searing/sauté function to cook veggies and mince then added the rest of ingredients put it on high for 3hours and done ! So easy. The only minor difference I noticed the diced tomatoes I used didn’t break down in the cooking as much as on the stove but other than that there was no difference! Thank you for your advice Amy !
Amy
Thank you. This is great to know! Thanks for sharing for others 🙂
Audrey
Hi Amy, would it be okay to add some beef stock/broth?
Thanks,
Audrey
Amy
Hi Audrey, yes that would be great. If making for a baby just be mindful of sodium levels. Use homemade or very low sodium 🙂
Ana
This is a great recipe! One of my son’s favourites and he’s very fussy. I always have some in the freezer! Great with pasta or mashed potato.
Amy
Thanks for all your comments and 5-star ratings, Ana. I'm so happy you are enjoying the website and your son is enjoying the recipes 🙂
Ana
This is my baby’s favourite. Great way to get him to eat veggies and meat, works well with pasta or potatoes. Excellent for making ahead and freezing.
Amy
Thanks Ana! That is fantastic, I'm so happy he enjoys it 🙂
Linda
This one is a keeper ! Best spag bol I’ve made ! Thank you for sharing . Followed recipe exactly but did the hidden veggies version with passata . Hubby , toddler and baby all loved it !
Amy
Amazing! Thanks you Linda 🙂
Shannon
Baby loves this recipe!! Such a good way to add in “hidden” veges!! Thank you
Amy
Fantastic, thanks Shannon 🙂
Elaine
How do you cook the spiralized zuchinni?
Amy
Hi Elaine, heat a little olive oil in a frying pan, add spiralized zucchini and cook for a couple of minutes. We prefer ours lightly cooked - just a min or two until lightly softened.
Leanne
Hi there, just wondering if this could be made in the slow cooker? Thanks!
Amy
Hi Leanne, Yes I think you could but haven't tried so can't say for sure. I'd follow steps 1-3 and then transfer to the slow cooker. You may find that you only need one can of chopped tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Adriana
Another fantastic recipe. Simmering for a couple of hours really made a big difference and it was a hit with the whole family!
Amy
Thanks Adriana 🙂 Happy New Year!
Marty
Came out nice . I did alter it though as I didn't have all the ingredients . I have a very fussy toddler who does not like fried up mince he doesn't like the texture. I used courgettes , spinach, carrots mushrooms, added a splash of white wine. Vege stock cubes. Replaced garlic with half tsp of garlic powder . Celery for half tsp of celery salt. Added a red capsicum. Pressure cooked the veges and spices then blended them to a smooth sauce. Added the browned mince with 1/8 tsp baking soda and 1/4 caster sugar and slow cooked it for 6 hours. The fussy toddler and everyone else loved it
Amy
Sounds perfect, Marty! Even better that your little one enjoyed it too 🙂
ALLY
Never added aubergine to bolognese before but it worked great