I made a 13 pound, 5 rib prime rib on Christmas for 9 people. Needless to say, there was quite a bit leftover. What to do with it? There wasn’t enough of the lean rare pieces in the middle to make a family meal, I had been thinking maybe stroganoff. I knew I would make beef stock and French onion soup with the bones but what about all the meat?
Then, I thought, if I saved the lean pieces and ground it up, isn’t that just the most amazing ground beef? Then the idea of leftover prime rib Bolognese was born. It was totally delicious, I had all the ingredients on hand and bonus, there was enough leftover to freeze for Lasagna Bolognese.
- 2 Pounds leftover prime rib, beef roast (ground in the food processor) or 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Oz of pancetta or bacon chopped
- 1 Large onion, chopped fine
- 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped fine (I use the food processor)
- 3 Celery sticks, chopped fine
- 3 Cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 Tbsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 6 Oz can tomato paste
- 1 Cup white wine
- 1 Cup milk
- Heat a dutch oven on high and add the olive oil. Add the pancetta to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes until it starts to crisp and renders some fat.
- Add the onions to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the celery, carrots and garlic to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, thyme and crushed red pepper if using. Stir well for 1 minute until the tomato paste becomes fragrant. Add the wine to the pan and simmer for 3 minutes until it starts to reduce.
- Add the milk to the pan and stir well.
- Add the ground prime rib to the pan, season with salt and pepper and stir well. Place the lid almost all on the top of the pan (crack it a little or it will overflow) and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for one hour.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve with your favorite pasta. I prefer fresh pappardele or fettuccine.
- Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for 6 months.