Cheesy Beef Bolognese Fettuccine

📝 Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef Bolognese Fettuccine! Tender fettuccine is tossed in a rich, savory homemade beef Bolognese sauce, then smothered with gooey melted mozzarella and finished with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley. Every bite is packed with bold Italian flavors, making this hearty pasta dish perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a satisfying homemade meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) fettuccine
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Beef Bolognese

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Make the Bolognese Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and flavorful.

3. Combine

Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a silky consistency.

4. Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, or place it under the broiler for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Finish & Serve

Top with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

💡 Tips

• Use a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for even richer flavor.
• Add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a restaurant-quality touch.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.

🍽️ Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 670
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fat: 36g
• Fiber: 4g