If you love both Korean and Italian cuisines, this Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a match made in culinary heaven. This inventive dish fuses the rich, savory flavors of Italian Bolognese with the bold, smoky essence of Korean bulgogi, creating a delicious, one-of-a-kind dinner that’s sure to impress. The key to this recipe is the slow simmering of ground beef in a deeply flavorful sauce made from a combination of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, as well as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and scallions. As it cooks, the sauce develops a well-balanced blend of sweetness and saltiness, enhanced by the earthy depth of finely chopped mushrooms. Paired with egg pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle, this dish offers a perfect contrast of textures—the rich, meaty sauce clinging to the wide, tender noodles. Whether you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner or host a special meal for friends and family, this Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Korean Bulgogi Bolognese offers a perfect balance of flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The sweetness from the turbinado sugar and the umami of soy sauce marry beautifully with the traditional Bolognese ingredients like onion, carrot, and celery. The addition of finely chopped white button mushrooms adds an earthy richness that elevates the sauce, creating a layered depth of flavor. The egg pasta, with its delicate texture, provides a beautiful contrast to the hearty sauce, making every bite satisfying. What’s even better is that this recipe takes less than an hour to prepare, making it a quick but luxurious meal for any night of the week. The combination of Korean and Italian flavors makes this dish a great conversation starter and a delicious fusion of two beloved cuisines.

Ingredients

1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped carrot
1 cup finely chopped celery
7 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons peeled, minced ginger
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 pound ground beef
4 ounces white button mushrooms, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
¾ cup finely chopped scallions
¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup turbinado sugar
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
12 ounces dried egg pasta (tagliatelle or pappardelle)
2 tablespoons safflower or canola oil
Freshly grated Parmesan for serving

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a lighter, or vegetarian alternative.
Spicy Bulgogi Bolognese: Add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a touch of heat and a deeper layer of Korean flavor.
Mushroom Lovers: Increase the amount of mushrooms or substitute them with shiitake mushrooms for a more intense, earthy flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini noodles to make this dish gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Ingredients

Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the scallions. Measure out the soy sauce, turbinado sugar, and other seasonings.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the safflower or canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Add the Mushrooms and Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the chopped mushrooms, soy sauce, turbinado sugar, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to help thicken the sauce if needed.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the Bolognese sauce, adding a little pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Mix well, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Korean Bulgogi Bolognese hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped scallions. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Pasta: If you have the time, fresh pasta can elevate the dish even further, adding a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Don’t Skip the Mushrooms: Mushrooms not only add a rich, earthy flavor to the sauce but also provide a meaty texture that complements the ground beef.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of turbinado sugar, or add a little honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Cook the Sauce Low and Slow: Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to develop all the flavors. Patience will result in a more layered and complex taste.
Make It Ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance. The flavors will continue to develop, and it will taste even better when reheated.

How to Serve

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese pairs beautifully with wide, flat egg pasta such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, which help to hold the rich sauce. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of warm garlic bread or steamed vegetables. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes on top can add an extra kick to the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Korean Bulgogi Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it a great meal for meal prep.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the Bolognese sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used for a lighter version of this dish, though it will slightly change the flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni. Wide pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle works best to hold the rich sauce.

4. How can I make the sauce spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this recipe can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe isn’t gluten-free due to the soy sauce and pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

7. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef first, then add all ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

9. How do I make this dish less sweet?

To make the dish less sweet, reduce the amount of turbinado sugar or omit it entirely.

10. What can I substitute for safflower oil?

You can substitute safflower oil with canola oil or vegetable oil, depending on what you have available.

Conclusion

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a perfect fusion dish that combines the best of both Korean and Italian cuisines. With its rich, savory sauce, hearty ground beef, and bold flavors, it offers a fresh twist on the traditional Bolognese while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser. Quick, flavorful, and versatile, Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a must-try recipe that brings something exciting to the dinner table.