Description
Rich and hearty High-Protein Bolognese Sauce with lean beef, Italian sausage, and cottage cheese—a healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth, or red wine
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup cream cheese (can use low-fat)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the meats: Add lean ground beef and Italian sausage. Brown thoroughly, breaking up any clumps, and drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato elements: Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Incorporate liquids: Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth (or red wine), and balsamic vinegar. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer gently: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Blend in cheeses: Stir in cottage cheese and cream cheese until fully incorporated, creating a creamy, high-protein sauce.
- Finish with parsley: Add chopped fresh parsley just before serving for freshness and color.
Notes
For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially blend the vegetables after simmering.
This sauce pairs well with whole wheat pasta, spaghetti squash, or zoodles for a healthy twist.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.