Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti
- Serves
- 4 servings
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Cost
- $11.50
- Nutrition
- 630 cal · 28g protein
- meatless
- budget
- freezer-friendly
- high-protein
🍳 1 pan · Picky-eater safe bet: plain noodles
Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti is a Italian weeknight dinner that serves 4 and is on the table in about 45 minutes, for around $12 in groceries. You'll need 1 pan, and the 10 ingredients below are everyday supermarket items. Cooking for a picky eater? Plain noodles works on its own for the one who won't try the rest. Add it to your week and the whole grocery list lands in your Instacart cart in one tap.
Goes with: Simple green salad (5 min)
Contains: Gluten— based on the ingredients; brands vary, so check labels.
Cookware you'll need
Set these out before you start — it saves hunting through drawers mid-recipe.
- 5–6 quart Dutch ovenDon't have one? Amazon →
- 3-quart saucepan with lidDon't have one? Amazon →
- 12-inch locking tongsDon't have one? Amazon →
- ColanderDon't have one? Amazon →
- Mini food processorDon't have one? Amazon →
- 8-inch chef's knifeDon't have one? Amazon →
Our kitchen essentials list · As an Amazon Associate, DinnerDrop earns from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 count yellow onion
- 2 count carrots
- 2 count celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Steps
- Finely chop the onion, carrots and celery (or pulse them in a food processor) and mince the garlic.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the vegetables 8 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, tomato paste and Italian seasoning for 1 minute.
- Add rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in salted water according to the package. Save 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper and loosen with pasta water if needed. Toss with spaghetti or spoon on top.
- The finely chopped veggies melt into the sauce, so picky eaters rarely notice them.
On the side: Simple green salad (5 min)
1 bag bagged salad greens, 1 bottle salad dressing
- Put the greens in a bowl and toss with dressing just before serving.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 28 g
- Carbohydrates
- 89 g
- Fiber
- 15 g
- Sugar
- 8 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Saturated fat
- 1 g
- Sodium
- 410 mg
Estimated from the ingredients and amounts in this recipe; brands and portions vary. Not medical or dietary advice.
Photo: DinnerDrop