Taste of Tuesday : Weeknight Bolognese

I cooked this a few weeks ago and am way behind on sharing it with you.  I posted it on Instagram and one of my friends reminded me that this is a great meal that you can freeze the leftovers.  And trust me.  You will have lots of leftovers.  I can't wait to make it again and save left overs in the freezer to have on hand when I need a quick, easy meal for Matt and I.  

Weeknight Bolognese

via Ina Garten

Ingredients

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

Directions

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.

 Linking up with: 

Emily and Kate for Tuesday's Recipe Swap
Handmade Tuesday's with Kristen
Let's be Friends Blog Hop with The Dwelling Tree or Southern Beauty Guide