If you’re in the mood for a comforting and hearty pasta dish, but you’re short on time, this Easy Quick Greek Bolognese is your go-to recipe. This twist on the classic Italian Bolognese brings in fresh, Mediterranean flavors with ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and oregano, giving it a unique Greek flair. It’s the perfect balance of rich meat sauce and bright, tangy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.

What makes this recipe so special is how quickly it comes together while still delivering incredible flavor. Instead of simmering for hours like a traditional Bolognese, this version takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of lean ground beef or turkey, tomatoes, and a few key Greek ingredients elevates the dish, making it a quick yet flavorful family meal.

Whether you’re craving a delicious weeknight dinner or want something easy for meal prep, this Easy Quick Greek Bolognese is a winner. The addition of olives and feta cheese gives it a Mediterranean vibe, making it the perfect dish to pair with your favorite pasta, or even served over rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.

Why This Easy Quick Greek Bolognese?

Selling Points:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Mediterranean Flavor: Feta, olives, and oregano bring the taste of Greece to your pasta.
• Versatile: Enjoy it with pasta, over rice, or even on top of roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.
• Healthy and Filling: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this dish will keep you satisfied.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

What You Need for Easy Quick Greek Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)

How to Make Easy Quick Greek Bolognese

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   
2. Cook the Meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
   
3. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the meat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
   
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
   
5. Add the Greek Touch: Stir in the black olives and feta cheese, and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese starts to melt and the olives warm through.
   
6. Optional Wine: If using red wine, pour it into the sauce at this point, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to cook off the alcohol and enhance the flavor.
   
7. Serve: Spoon the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta, or serve it on top of rice or vegetables. Garnish with extra crumbled feta and fresh oregano if desired.
   

Tips for the Perfect Greek Bolognese

• Use Lean Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option, or lean beef for a richer flavor.
• Adjust the Olives: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of olives or choose a less briny variety.
• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add some finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce as it cooks.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese for a similar creamy texture, or skip it entirely for a dairy-free version.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Serve this dish with gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.
• Vegan Version: Swap the ground meat for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use dairy-free cheese in place of feta.
• Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or eggplant instead of meat for a hearty, vegetarian sauce.
• Extra Protein: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans for added protein if you’re going meatless.

Make It Healthier

• Reduce Oil: You can cut down on the oil by using a non-stick pan or simply using a smaller amount of oil for cooking.
• Increase Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
• Less Cheese: Use less feta or opt for a reduced-fat version to lower the calorie count.
• Skip the Wine: If you’re looking to cut out the alcohol, the recipe will still be delicious without the red wine.

Closing for Easy Quick Greek Bolognese

This Easy Quick Greek Bolognese is an incredibly flavorful, comforting, and quick meal that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. With Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and oregano, it brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or roasted veggies, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

So next time you’re looking for a delicious and quick dinner, give this Greek-inspired Bolognese a try—you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Quick Greek Bolognese

Can I make this Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with turkey, chicken, lamb, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian or vegan version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies to keep the entire dish gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or even grated carrots to increase the vegetable content.

Can I make it spicy?
If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while the sauce simmers.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work well! Just be sure to chop them finely and cook them down until they release their juices and become soft.

How do I serve this Greek Bolognese?
This sauce is great served over traditional pasta, but it also works well over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.

This Easy Quick Greek Bolognese offers a fresh, Mediterranean twist on the traditional Bolognese sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a delicious, hearty dish in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner gathering. Enjoy the simplicity and bold flavors of this Greek-inspired recipe!

Easy Quick Greek Bolognese

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)

• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, for added depth of flavor)

• Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)

Directions

• Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook the Meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the meat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
• Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
• Add the Greek Touch: Stir in the black olives and feta cheese, and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese starts to melt and the olives warm through.
• Optional Wine: If using red wine, pour it into the sauce at this point, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to cook off the alcohol and enhance the flavor.
• Serve: Spoon the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta, or serve it on top of rice or vegetables. Garnish with extra crumbled feta and fresh oregano if desired.