One Pot Pasta Bolognese

One Pot Pasta Bolognese
One Pot Pasta Bolognese is a fantastic recipe that combines the rich flavors of a traditional Bolognese sauce with the convenience of cooking everything in a single pot. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. With the beautiful combination of beef mince, fresh herbs, and pasta, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making One Pot Pasta Bolognese is a great idea for several reasons. First, it saves time and effort because you only need one pot to cook everything. This means fewer dishes to wash afterward! Second, the ingredients meld together beautifully, resulting in a flavorful and comforting meal. Finally, it’s an excellent way to enjoy a classic Italian dish in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will impress without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.
How to Make One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Making One Pot Pasta Bolognese is a straightforward process, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. Just follow the simple steps below to enjoy this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500g / 1 lb beef mince (ground beef, preferably lean)
- 700g / 24.5 oz tomato passata (tomato puree)
- 3 cups beef broth (or stock cubes + water)
- 2 tsp Italian mixed herbs
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 tsp each salt and pepper
- 350g / 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked, or other pasta)
Directions:
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Saute onion & garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Cook minced garlic and chopped onion for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
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Cook beef: Add the beef mince to the pot and cook it while breaking it up as it cooks.
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Add tomato: Once the beef changes from red to brown, pour in the tomato passata.
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Rinse out the bottle: To get every last drop of tomato sauce, pour some beef stock into the empty bottle, shake it, then pour it into the pot.
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Add everything else: Pour in the remaining beef stock and all other ingredients, except for the spaghetti. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a boil.
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Add spaghetti: Add the uncooked spaghetti, fanning it out around the pot. Leave for 30 seconds to start softening, then start pushing it under the liquid.
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Cook pasta: Once fully submerged, cook for about 12 minutes, stirring every minute. Lower the heat slightly after about 8 minutes to prevent burning at the bottom.
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Remove from stove, toss well: When the pasta is just cooked and the sauce is still saucy, take it off the stove. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds to let the pasta soak up the sauce.
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Serve immediately: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with finely grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve One Pot Pasta Bolognese
One Pot Pasta Bolognese is delicious when served warm. Serve it straight from the pot in generous bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley, if desired. A side of crusty bread or a fresh salad makes the perfect accompaniment.
How to Store One Pot Pasta Bolognese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make One Pot Pasta Bolognese
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Chili Flakes: Adjust the level of chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Custom Pasta: Feel free to use other types of pasta if spaghetti is not available.
Variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the beef with lentils or mushrooms. This substitution still offers a hearty texture and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of meat?
- Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
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What if I don’t have beef broth?
- You can use chicken broth or water mixed with stock cubes if beef broth is unavailable.
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Can I freeze One Pot Pasta Bolognese?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Enjoy cooking and savor the delightful taste of One Pot Pasta Bolognese!

One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 500 g beef mince (ground beef, preferably lean)
- 700 g tomato passata (tomato puree)
- 3 cups beef broth or stock cubes + water
- 2 tsp Italian mixed herbs
- 1/4-1/2 tsp chilli flakes adjust to taste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp pepper
- 350 g spaghetti (uncooked) or other pasta
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Cook minced garlic and chopped onion for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add the beef mince to the pot and cook it while breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once the beef changes from red to brown, pour in the tomato passata.
- To get every last drop of tomato sauce, pour some beef stock into the empty bottle, shake it, then pour it into the pot.
- Pour in the remaining beef stock and all other ingredients, except for the spaghetti. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a boil.
- Add the uncooked spaghetti, fanning it out around the pot. Leave for 30 seconds to start softening, then start pushing it under the liquid.
- Once fully submerged, cook for about 12 minutes, stirring every minute. Lower the heat slightly after about 8 minutes to prevent burning at the bottom.
- When the pasta is just cooked and the sauce is still saucy, take it off the stove. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds to let the pasta soak up the sauce.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with finely grated Parmesan cheese.