Baby food spaghetti bolognese
Baby Bolognese with Extra Vegetables
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This baby bolognese was developed with babies and toddlers in mind but is perfect for big kids and adults who are trying to up their vegetable intake. It is packed with vegetables and is gently simmered to maximise flavour and texture.
5 Reasons to Love this Dish
- Iron-Rich: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, with infants and young children at the highest risk (1) Babies need iron from 6 months, therefore iron-rich recipes such as this bolognese pasta sauce are great for both babies and kids. Read more about Iron-rich foods for kids
- Packed With Vegetables: Eating a variety of vegetables is key and this bolognese is packed with four different veggies.
There is close to 900g of veggies (+ 800g of tomatoes) added to this recipe.
- Family Friendly: Although this recipe was developed with babies/toddlers in mind it is perfect for kids and adults looking to up their vegetable content without even trying/ noticing! There is no need to make a separate meal for your baby, just remove the baby portion before seasoning.
- Adaptable: Mix and match the vegetables to what you have available or what is in season. Suggestions are given below under the section “Ingredient Information with Alternative Suggestions”
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze so that you are prepared on busy weekday evenings.
- Flavour Base Veggies: Onions, celery and carrots are not just added to up the vegetable content, sautéing them in olive oil and garlic provides an excellent flavour base for the bolognese. For this reason, I do not recommend subbing these vegetables with any others.
If you have a fussy eater, that has a strong dislike for any of these veggies, then see “Picky Eater Tips” below. - Extra Veggies: Eggplant isn’t something you would normally find in a bolognese but it does literally dissolve into the meat as it simmers. I don’t tend to peel it but if you have children who are opposed to “bits” in their meals then peeling will make it go unnoticed. The eggplant can easily be subbed for zucchini, which dissolves into the sauce just like the eggplant. Mushrooms are great in bolognese or you could add spinach, bell pepper or peas.
- Chopped Tomatoes: You can sub with crushed tomatoes or pasatta for a smoother sauce. Check the ingredient list to ensure the tomatoes don’t have additional seasonings or added salt.
- Herbs: Dried oregano and bay leaves are added but you can use Italian Mixed herbs or fresh herbs if you prefer.
Process Shots and Cooking Tips
- Saute the onion, celery, carrots and garlic in olive oil for around 10 minutes. Don’t be tempted to skip/rush this step, it really does add a delicious flavour base to the bolognese.
- Increase the heat to high, add the ground beef and continuously stir/ break down the meat until it is browned all over. Again, don’t rush this step, a wooden spoon is great for breaking the ground beef down into nice small pieces.
- Add the oregano and tomato paste and mix with the meat. Cook for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavour.
- Add the canned tomatoes, eggplant and bay leaf bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for at least 1 hour, but if you have time aim for 2 – 2.5hrs to really bring the bolognese to another level!
Picky Eater Tips
I don’t advocate hiding vegetables in kids food but if you have a particularly fussy eater, that doesn’t like “bits” in their sauce, I would suggest the following.
- Mince the onion and celery (I use a food processor for this)
- Grate the carrots
- Remove the skin of the eggplant.
Serving Suggestions
- PASTA: When I think of bolognese I automatically associate it with spaghetti. Fun, messy and great for kids! For babies, I recommend a pasta shape that is easy for them to pick up (rigatoni is pictured) or the tiny baby pasta ideal for spoon-feeding. Alternatively, you can snip the spaghetti up into small pieces which makes it easy for spoon-feeding.
- ZOODLES (spiralized zucchini): I often mix spaghetti and zoodles 60% 40% to add more goodness to the plate!
- POTATO: Delicious served in a baked potato or sweet potato.
- QUESADILLA: Add leftovers to a quesadilla for a yummy lunch.
Storage Instructions
Bolognese only tastes better the next day, so it is perfect to make a day or two in advance and then just reheat at dinner time.
Allow to cool, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Alternatively, transfer the cooled baby bolognese to freezable containers/zip lock bags and freeze for up to two months.
Read more about storing baby food.
You may also like
- Baby Pasta Sauce
- Avocado Spinach Pasta
- Roasted Vegetable Pasta
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5 from 15 votes
Baby Bolognese
A delicious bolognese, packed with vegetables, that the whole family can enjoy.
Print Pin This
- ▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- ▢ 2 Onions (brown, red or white) finely chopped
- ▢ 2 Celery Stalks finely chopped
- ▢ 2 Medium Carrots peeled and finely chopped
- ▢ 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- ▢ 500g / 1lb Lean Beef Mince (Ground Beef)
- ▢ 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- ▢ 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- ▢ 800g / 28oz Canned Chopped Tomatoes
- ▢ 1 small Eggplant (Aubergine) (around 400g/14oz) 1 cm / ½ inch cubed
- ▢ 2 Bay Leaves
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic, celery and carrots and saute for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.Increase the heat to high, add the ground beef and continuously stir/ break down the meat until it is browned all over and broken down into nice small pieces. (This will take around 10 mins)
Add the oregano and tomato paste and mix with the meat. (for around 2 mins)
Add the canned tomatoes, eggplant and bay leaf bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for at least 1 hour, but if you have time aim for 2 – 2.5hrs to really bring the bolognese to another level!
If making this dish for adults / older children then season to taste at the end of cooking.
See the above post for ingredient substitutions, picky eater tips and storage instructions.
Nutritional Information is a ROUGH guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.
Nutrition Facts
Baby Bolognese
Amount Per Serving
Calories 340 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 78mg26%
Sodium 459mg19%
Potassium 1327mg38%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 8g32%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 31g62%
Vitamin A 5509IU110%
Vitamin C 29mg35%
Calcium 133mg13%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course:Main Meal
Cuisine:Italian Inspired
Keyword:Bolognese, Hidden Veggies
Did you make this recipe?Tag me on Instagram at @healthylittlefoodies or leave me a below.
References
- Gupta PM, Perrine CG, Mei Z, Scanlon KS, Iron, Anemia, and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Young Children in the United States, NCBI, 2016 May 30 doi: 10.3390/nu8060330
This post was first published Dec 2013. It has been updated with new images, process shots and recipe information.
Meet Amy
Amy Whiteford runs the blog Healthy Little Foodies. She is a mum to two, has a BSc (Hons) Food Science, PGDE Primary Education and a Certificate in Childhood Nutrition. She uses her experience and knowledge to create healthy and delicious recipes for kids. Explore the site for creative ideas, tips, and inspiration! Read more
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Easy Bolognese with Vegetables (baby-friendly)
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This easy bolognese with vegetables is hearty, filling, and nutritious! Serve over cooked pasta, lasagna, or even casseroles. Comfort food at its best.
This post is a collaboration with Beef Loving Texans. Thank you for supporting brands that I believe in and keeps this space running. As always, all opinions are my own!
Jump to:- Reasons to love this Meat Sauce
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for Success
- Serving Suggestions
- The Benefits of Family Dinners
- Baby Bolognese
- Bolognese for toddlers and kids
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Ground Beef Recipes
- Easy Bolognese with Vegetables
Reasons to love this Meat Sauce
- Requires minimal effort. It takes some time for the sauce to become thick and mouth-watering, but it is mostly hands-off and very simple.
- Will have plenty of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. And it tastes better over time as the flavors meld together.
- Freezes well.
- Baby and kid-friendly! It is iron-rich (a super important nutrient for this age) and a delicious way to serve vegetables that even picky eaters may enjoy.
You may also be interested in: Beef Recipes for Babies
Ingredients
- Crushed tomatoes - will help make the sauce thicker than diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste - helps thicken and intensifies flavor in slow cooker recipes like this one.
- Carrots and zucchini - can dice or grate
- Fresh mushrooms - while the recipe calls for cremini mushrooms, feel free to use a variety, such as shiitake and porcini mushrooms for an even more complex depth of flavor and meaty texture. You can also use dried mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook ground beef.
- Add carrots and garlic and cook.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
Tips for Success
- While the included vegetables work really well in this recipe, feel free to use whatever fresh vegetables (or frozen) you have on hand. It's a very forgiving recipe.
- Use a really good canned tomato like San Marzano. You'll really taste the difference.
- Cook on low heat- Don't crank up the heat in an effort to shorten the cooking time.
- Give the sauce a good stir periodically.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is so versatile! Serve over pasta, grains like lentils or quinoa, various vegetables like baked sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles...endless possibilities!
Also feel free to use it in lasagna or casseroles that call for marinara sauce.
The Benefits of Family Dinners
While there are so many benefits to enjoying meals together with loved ones, I want to highlight specifically those regarding children.
Research shows that children who eat with their families have more healthful dietary patterns (e.g. consuming more fruits and vegetables), thus having a lower risk for being overweight and less risk of engaging in disordered eating (1,2,3).
Family meals also provide great opportunities to help young children learn new words and build conversation skills (4). They also help increase a child’s sense of security and improve well-being by providing structure and routine to their day.
But the best part, in my opinion, is the strong bond that forms as a result. It becomes an essential part of a family’s tradition when fostered early and continuously.
If you’re in need of recipes (including kid-friendly ones), cooking tips, and ways to incorporate beef into a well-balanced diet, most definitely check out the Beef Loving Texans website.
I love that the Texas Beef Council is funded by the beef farmers and ranchers living in my state.
Baby Bolognese
Be sure to break up any big clumps of meat.
I like to transfer the sauce to a bowl and chop it up using my kitchen shears.
If you are doing purees and desire a smoother sauce, you can blend your baby's portion.
As for the pasta, It may sound counterintuitive, BUT bigger is better and safer for babies who’ve just started solids. Fusili, rigatoni, ziti, and penne are all great options that they will be able to pick up with their palms.
I also like these shapes because the sauce really clings to them, thereby increasing the chances of this delicious iron-rich meat sauce actually making it into their bellies.
Here's another great iron-rich pasta sauce to try!
Bolognese for toddlers and kids
If your little one is hesitant about certain foods, like meat or vegetables, serving them with a delicious sauce like this one is a great way to encourage him/her to give them a try!
Also, if you have a fussy eater, try some of these strategies to meet them where they are while continuing to expose them to a variety of foods and the different ways of enjoying them.
- If your child likes plain pasta, serve the meat sauce on the side.
- Doesn’t do chunky textures? Blend to make it smoother and combine with pasta. But do serve a small portion of the chunky sauce on the side.
- Doesn't like pasta? Pour over foods they do enjoy - baked sweet potato, rice, toast, etc.
And whatever you do, I want to encourage you to not give up if your child refuses to eat the food you served.
Constant exposure leads to familiarity which leads to acceptance.
I know it's easier said than done when all you want is for everyone at the table to eat happily. But be in it for the long haul and play the long game. Sign up below for more tips!
Is your toddler becoming picky?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between spaghetti sauce and bolognese sauce?
Spaghetti sauce is a tomato-based sauce that’s served over spaghetti.
The traditional bolognese sauce is a meat sauce that is thicker and includes milk, which adds to the thickness and creaminess. Also, it contains just a touch of tomato.
Outside of Italy, bolognese sauce has commonly been adapted as a tomato-based meat sauce. Many cooks have put a vegetarian or vegan twist on it, and I appreciate all the variations and creativity that people bring to the table.
Can I add milk to make the sauce more authentic and creamier?
Absolutely! Simply add 1 cup of whole milk (or a non-dairy alternative) in step #2.
What are the best pasta shapes for bolognese?
Traditionally, it is served with wide long pasta like tagliatelle and fettuccine. Outside of Italy, spaghetti bolognese is most popular. But truly, you can enjoy with any pasta shape.
I personally prefer short pasta like, fusili, orecchiette, and penne, as the thick, meaty sauce really clings to it.
What is the best way to store leftover bolognese?
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What is the best way to freeze?
If intending to freeze, note that as with all sauces, it will expand so leave extra space at the top.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. I like to freeze in single-serving portions. This tray is really great! Once frozen, you can pop the molded sauce out and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat: thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook on the stovetop or microwave. Be sure to stir every 20-30 seconds or so until heated through.
More Ground Beef Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Easy Bolognese with Vegetables
This kid-friendly veggie-loaded meat sauce with ground beef and medley of vegetables is hearty, filling, and nutritious!
5 from 7 votes
Print PinPrep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman
- ▢ 2 pounds ground Beef (at least 90% lean)
- ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ▢ ½ cup chopped onion
- ▢ 1 carrot , grated
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic , minced
- ▢ 1 cup cremini mushrooms , sliced then chopped
- ▢ 1 cup zucchini , grated
- ▢ 2 cups low-sodium beef stock
- ▢ 28 ounce can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- ▢ ⅓ cup tomato paste
- ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ▢ 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ▢ 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ▢ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ▢ Salt to taste
- ▢ Fresh basil, parmesan cheese (optional)
Heat nonstick skillet over MEDIUM heat until hot.
Add Ground Beef and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add carrots and garlic. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, breaking beef into small crumbles and stirring occasionally.Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
Turn heat to LOW, cover and cook at a slow simmer, stirring occasionally for 45 minutes. Uncover, adjust salt and pepper and simmer another 10-15 minutes or until sauce thickens.
Recipe courtesy of The Beef Loving Texans.
Storage:
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If intending to freeze, note that as with all sauces, it will expand so leave extra space at the top. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. I like to freeze in single-serving portions. This tray is really great! Once frozen, you can pop the molded sauce out and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat: thaw in the fridge overnight.
Cook on the stovetop or microwave. Be sure to stir every 20-30 seconds or so until heated through.
Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 5mg
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
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About Min
Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.
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0003Fiber 0.8 g
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Protein {{foodstuff.foodstuff.protein}} g-
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Fat {{foodstuff.foodstuff.fat}} g-
Fiber {{foodstuff.foodstuff.fiber}} g-
Energy 62 kcal
Squirrels 3 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fat 2 g
Fibers 0.8 g
Food values
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| 9000 with thermal processing | 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 3 g | |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g | ||
| Sugar | 2 g | ||
| Fat | 2 g | ||
| Saturated fatty acids | 9000 9000 |||
9000 9000 9000. - | |||
| Monounsaturated | - | ||
| Polyunsaturated -3 9005 | 0003
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