Budget Beef & Lentil Bolognese

• 500 g beef mince
• 400 g brown lentils, tinned, drained
• 1 whole brown onion, diced
• 2 whole carrot, finely diced
• 2 whole celery, finely diced
• 4 clove garlic, minced
• 800 g crushed tomatoes, tinned
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 250 mL beef stock
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt
• black pepper

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion, carrot, and celery for 8 minutes until softened.

   Start 8 min timer
2. 2

   Add the garlic, cook 1 minute. Add the beef mince, breaking it up, and cook 6-7 minutes until browned.

   Start 7 min timer
3. 3

   Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, and basil, cook 1 minute.

4. 4

   Add the crushed tomatoes, lentils, and stock. Stir well, bring to a simmer.

5. 5

   Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 35-40 minutes, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   Start 38 min timer

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: 5 days in an airtight container. Freezer: portion into 8, freeze flat up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a saucepan over low heat, about 15 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.