If you want a cozy pasta night that feels special but is still simple, this Easy Creamy Lamb Bolognese is perfect. It is rich, smooth, and full of deep flavor. The lamb cooks down into a soft, tender sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. A touch of cream makes it silky and balanced. This is one of those Ground Lamb Recipes Easy enough for busy days, yet tasty enough for guests. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. Save this one for your next pasta night.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 14 ounces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 half teaspoon salt
- 1 half teaspoon black pepper
- 1 half cup heavy cream
- 1 half cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step By Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and light golden.
- Add garlic and grated carrot. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground lamb. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes. Stir now and then until thick and rich.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Stir and cook for 5 more minutes until the sauce looks smooth and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and save 1 half cup pasta water.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve warm with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan on top.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Cooking on high heat: Lamb can dry out fast. Keep the heat medium and gentle.
- Skipping the simmer: The sauce needs time to thicken. A slow simmer builds flavor.
- Adding cream too early: Always add cream at the end so it stays smooth.
- Not seasoning enough: Taste before serving and adjust salt if needed.
Tips For Success
- Use fresh ground lamb for the best texture. It should look bright and smell clean.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a little pasta water. It helps the sauce cling to pasta.
- This recipe also works with gluten free pasta.
- You can double the sauce and freeze half for later. It makes future Ground Lamb Recipes For Dinner so much easier.
How To Serve
Serve this creamy lamb bolognese over spaghetti, fettuccine, or even soft polenta. Add a green salad and warm bread on the side. If you enjoy bold Mediterranean flavors, you may also like this lamb souvlaki recipe for another comforting meal idea.
This dish fits beautifully into your collection of hearty Lamb Meals. It is filling, rich, and perfect for cool evenings.
Flavor Add In Ideas
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
- Stir in a spoon of ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Add fresh thyme for an earthy note.
- A splash of red wine before simmering adds depth.
If you love exploring different Lamb Dishes, you can also try a classic like classic Greek lamb chops for a simple dinner option.
Easy Creamy Lamb Bolognese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and light golden.
- Add garlic and grated carrot. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground lamb. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 more minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Toss pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed. Serve warm with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
Notes
Make Ahead And Storage
This sauce stores very well. Let it cool fully, then place in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, store in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.
If you enjoy slow cooked meals, you may also love this cozy easy lamb stew recipe for another comforting family dinner.
FAQs
1. Can I use lamb stew meat instead of ground lamb?
Yes, but it will change the texture. You would need to cook it longer until tender, similar to many Lamb Stew Meat Recipes. For a true bolognese texture, ground lamb works best.
2. Can I make this dairy free?
You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream. The taste will be slightly different, but still rich and smooth.
3. What pasta works best with creamy lamb bolognese?
Wide noodles like fettuccine or pappardelle hold the sauce well. Short pasta like rigatoni also works because the sauce fills the tubes.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Lamb Bolognese is simple, rich, and full of comfort. It is one of those Easy Lamb Recipes you will want to keep in your weekly meal plan. The creamy texture, deep tomato flavor, and tender lamb make every bite satisfying. Pin this recipe now so you can come back to it anytime you need a warm and cozy pasta dinner. It is too good to forget.