Baby Bolognese

2013-05-31
  • Yield : 2 cups
  • Servings : 1
  • Prep Time : 5m
  • Cook Time : 20m
  • Ready In : 25m

When George was around 8-9 months old I would make big batches of this baby bolognese, he loved it. I don’t make this exact version anymore but it has evolved to George’s current favourite, Beef & Lentil Ragu with Risoni. The baby bolognese is an easy one-pan recipe and great for introducing the bolognese flavours to younger bubs. It uses only a tin of tomatoes and no tomato paste, making it a little less ‘tomato-y’ than your richer family style bolognese sauces, something younger bubs might prefer.  Try stirring through some quinoa, couscous or brown rice for added texture.

Tip: For a slight flavour variation try using a mix of pork and veal mince instead of beef mince.

Nutrition Note:  A simple salt free bolognese sauce for your babies that helps give them the iron they need.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 clove garlic
  • 1/2 onion, grated
  • 1 zucchini, grated
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 400g beef mince (or a mixture of pork and veal mince)
  • 1 x 400g no added salt crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tsp parsley (optional)

Method

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, grated onion, zucchini and carrot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened. -

Step 2

Add the beef mince and cook for a further 5 minutes or until brown and cooked through. Add the crushed tomatoes and water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes and the sauce has reduced. -

Step 3

Puree, adding extra water if needed, until you have your desired consistency. Stir through brown rice, quinoa or couscous for added texture. -

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Recipe Comments

  1. posted by Annemarie on June 1, 2013

    The recipe doesn’t include the garlic. I’m guessing this is added with the onion, zucchini & carrot?

      Reply
    • posted by Jess on June 1, 2013

      Yes, thank you Annemarie. All fixed now 🙂 Jx

        Reply
      • posted by Annemarie on June 5, 2013

        Thanks! My son gobbled this up. I added some cooked pasta stars for a bit of texture but next time I won’t puree the meat as much. I love your website and I’ve cooked so many recipes from it. Keep them coming!!

          Reply
  2. posted by Lisa Lewis on July 15, 2013

    Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

      Reply
    • posted by Jess on July 16, 2013

      Yes Lisa it is 🙂 Enjoy, Jx

        Reply
  3. posted by Lisa Lewis on July 16, 2013

    Could you also add pasta to this recipe? Any suggested type? My bub is 8.5month thanks

      Reply
  4. posted by Lisa Lewis on August 12, 2013

    Any suggestions of how I can make this more creamier smooth consistency for my little one. Thanks

      Reply
    • posted by Jess on August 12, 2013

      Hi Lisa, you can easily puree this to make it smoother, adding extra water or stock if needed. Or if you are still after some texture try pureeing half the quantity and stir through the remaining bolognese. I hope this helps. Jx

        Reply
  5. posted by Jessica on February 14, 2014

    I don’t have canned tomatoes on hand, can I use a fresh tomato or tomato paste? Will the fresh tomato be to hard on baby’s stomach?

      Reply
    • posted by Jess on February 19, 2014

      Hi Jessica, apologies for the delay in replying. You could try using 1 1/4 cups of fresh diced tomatoes with a cup of water. I hope that helps, Jx

        Reply
  6. posted by Lucy on August 18, 2014

    This looks great! Can it be frozen and reheated?

      Reply
    • posted by Allie on August 19, 2014

      Yep! Enjoy, Ax

        Reply
  7. posted by Martha on July 28, 2021

    This recipe is surprisingly good. Was making it for my 1 year old and he loved it. Comes my 5 year old who only want pasta sauce from jar. He tried one spoon and he wanted 1 big bowl more and finished the batch him self. I have to cook again. Thank you soo much

      Reply
  8. posted by Rhiannon on August 18, 2021

    How long can this be frozen for ?

      Reply
  9. posted by Ally on October 15, 2021

    My son absolutely loves this recipe and will literally scoff it down! He’s been eating it since he was 8 months old. I used bone broth instead of water and also add in some risoni. I normally make 2 batches and freeze it coz that’s how quickly he eats it. Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply

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