Go Back
+ servings
Hearty Walnut and Mushroom Bolognese

Easy Hearty Walnut and Mushroom Bolognese for Cozy Dinners

This Hearty Walnut and Mushroom Bolognese combines earthy mushrooms and walnuts for a comforting dish that's quick and nourishing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce Base
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Use for richer flavor
  • 1 medium yellow onion Finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 2 medium carrots Grated or finely diced
For the Heartiness
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms Chopped finely
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts Roughly chopped
To Build Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • optional red pepper flakes A pinch for heat

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

How to Make Hearty Walnut and Mushroom Bolognese
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and grated carrot until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add finely chopped mushrooms and toasted walnuts to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release moisture and turn golden brown, about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens to a rich red and clings to the mushrooms.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce bubble gently for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
  6. Stir well, then taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs.
  7. Ladle the Bolognese over your favorite pasta or use in lasagna.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This sauce tastes even better the next day as flavors develop! Consider making a double batch to always have a cozy meal on hand.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!