The first time I was pregnant I had weird cravings. Not chocolate or pickles or any other ‘normal’ craving — no, I needed spaghetti squash. Just my luck, every local supermarket was out of it, so I went on a wild pregnant goose chase and called suppliers at farms across the New York area in search of my coveted vegetable. I have such fond memories of finally landing my desired squash that every time I see one, I go back to that time and smile.
I gave up pasta long ago but sometimes I miss a good ol’ bowl of spaghetti bolognese. With this easy-to-make dish, I enjoy the benefits of one of my favorite comfort foods without suffering from post-pasta belly bloat. It’s paleo-friendly, kid-friendly and, from experience, I can vouch that even hungry husbands won’t notice the lack of pasta. Win!
Recipe
Paleo-friendly beef bolognese and spaghetti squash
Ingredients
- Olive oil for pan
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 carrots
- pounds One package of ground beef 1-3
- 1/2 red pepper
- 1/2 green pepper
- 2 cans whole tomatoes
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Spaghetti squash
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Preheat oven to 180°C.
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Prepare a greased baking sheet.
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Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise and place, face down, on baking sheet.
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Bake for about an hour or until you can gently scrape long strands of squash from the spaghetti squash.
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While squash is baking prepare the sauce (below).
Beef bolognese
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In a large frying pan, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, roughly 10 minutes.
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Add carrots and garlic and cook for a few minutes.
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Increase heat to high and add beef. Brown for a few minutes without cooking completely.
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Add peppers, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine, salt and pepper.
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Lower heat to simmer and cook sauce for another 10 minutes or until cooked though.
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Taste for seasoning one last time.
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Use a fork to scrape spaghetti strands from squash and place on serving platter or individual bowls.
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Top with beef sauce and garnish with fresh basil.
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Eat and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Adjust and season accordingly depending on the size of the beef package you typically get. I always make slightly extra to have leftovers!
