Sweet & Savory Pasta Bolognese with Cinnamon
This easy pasta Bolognese combines ground beef, sausage, tomatoes, and one unexpected ingredient—cinnamon—for an irresistible sweet-and-savory flavor. Serve this hearty meat sauce over bucatini with freshly grated Parmesan for a pasta dinner that’s been a favorite in our home for years.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef 85%
- 1/2 lb Spicy Ground Sausage
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1/2 White or Sweet Onion Chopped
- 3 Beef Bouillon Cubes
- 3/4 Cup Red Cooking Wine
- 1 28 Ounce Can Petite Diced Tomatoes
- 1 6 Ounce Can Plain Tomato Paste
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon Add More as Needed
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Pound Spaghetti / Our Favorite is Bucatini
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- Parmesan Cheese to Taste
- 2 tbsp Parsley for Garnish
Instructions
- Boil water for pasta and cook pasta according to the package instructions.
- Combine the ground beef, sausage, and chopped onion in the pot and cook over medium heat for approximately 6 minutes, until cooked through, mincing it all together as it cooks.
- Add the milk and simmer for about 5 minutes until it evaporates.
- Add red cooking wine and beef bouillon and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add a can of petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, and the secret ingredient: cinnamon.
- Turn the stove down to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not cover.
- Stir occasionally.
- Taste and add more cinnamon to your liking.
- Spoon Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta and top with parmesan cheese and parsley. Enjoy!
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Why bucatini? Bucatini is my favorite pasta for this Bolognese. That little hollow center holds onto the sauce beautifully, making it especially good with a rich, hearty meat sauce.