Go Back
+ servings
Pasta Topped with Bolognese on Elephant Baby Plate Served With Broccoli and Grapes
Print Recipe
5 from 26 votes

Baby Bolognese

A delicious bolognese, packed with vegetables, that the whole family can enjoy.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Meal
Cuisine: Italian Inspired
Servings: 4
Calories: 340kcal
Author: Amy

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!

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. 

Nutrition

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