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Minimal ingredient bolognese over spaghetti

Minimal Ingredient Bolognese Recipe for Sensitive Tummies

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Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp tbsp olive oil or safe oil
  • 1 small onion very finely chopped (omit if not safe)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (omit if not safe)
  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork or other safe ground meat
  • I like to use ground chicken since my little one can't have ground beef
  • 1 plain crushed or pureed tomato or tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water or safe broth
  • For a creamier version for your little you can add in some of their formula!
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste; reduce for little kids
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano or basil omit if herbs are not safe yet

For the pasta:

  • 12 oz 340 g safe spaghetti
  • classic wheat spaghetti OR
  • gluten‑free rice corn, or legume pasta (if safe)
  • Salt for the pasta water optional / as tolerated

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Add salt if safe, then add spaghetti.
  • I like to break the spaghetti into thirds so the noodles are shorter for kids.
  • Cook according to package directions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside. For extra safety, rinse if you’re worried about cross‑contamination from the pot or water.

Start the Sauce Base

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add finely chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft (skip this part or shorten if your child is sensitive).
  • Add garlic and cook approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant, not browned.
  • Brown the Meat
  • Add ground meat to the pan.
  • Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned and no pink remains.
  • If needed, drain off excess fat to keep it gentle on sensitive tummies.

Add Ins & Simmer

  • Add in milk or dairy free option (can also be formula) and cook with the meat until almost fully evaporated
  • If I am cooking for the entire family or friends, I do this again but with dry white wine (but skip this part for littles).
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes or paste and 1/2 cup water or safe broth.
  • Stir in salt and dried herbs (if tolerated).
  • Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower heat to low.
  • Simmer uncovered 15–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors blend.
  • Taste and adjust: more salt, more water if too thick, or longer simmer if too thin.

Combine & Serve

  • Add cooked spaghetti to the pan with the Bolognese, or serve sauce spooned over individual bowls of pasta.
  • Toss gently to coat if mixing together.
  • Cool slightly for young children and serve.