Why make this recipe
One Pot Pasta Bolognese is a perfect dish for busy families. It combines the comforting flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce with the convenience of a one-pot meal. After a long day, this recipe makes dinner easy and delicious. Plus, there’s less cleanup since everything is cooked in just one pot!
How to make One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 24 oz tomato passata (for a thick sauce)
- 3 cups beef broth (or stock cubes + water)
- 2 tsp Italian mixed herbs (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (adjust to preference)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 3/4 tsp pepper (fresh ground)
- 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high in a large pot. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato passata, ensuring it’s evenly distributed with the beef.
- Pour a bit of beef broth into the empty tomato passata bottle, shake, and then pour it into the pot.
- Pour in the remaining beef broth along with Italian mixed herbs, chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Add the uncooked spaghetti to the pot, fanning it out around the mixture. Let it soften in the liquid for about 30 seconds, then gently push it under the sauce.
- Bring the pot to a gentle boil and cook for 12 minutes, stirring every minute.
- Once the pasta is just al dente, remove from heat. Toss the pasta in the sauce for about 30 seconds.
- Dish up your One Pot Pasta Bolognese immediately, garnishing each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How to serve One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Serve One Pot Pasta Bolognese hot, right from the pot. Make sure to add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to store One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Tips to make One Pot Pasta Bolognese
- For added flavor, let the sauce simmer for a bit longer before adding the pasta.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste; feel free to add more chili flakes if you like it spicy!
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by using lentils or plant-based ground meat instead of beef. Simply follow the same steps, adjusting the cooking times as needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta as long as they cook in about the same time.
Is it possible to freeze One Pot Pasta Bolognese?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be aware that the pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits.
One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
- 24 oz tomato passata for a thick sauce
- 3 cups beef broth or stock cubes + water
- 2 tsp Italian mixed herbs adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes adjust to preference
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 tsp salt to taste
- 3/4 tsp pepper fresh ground
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti uncooked
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high in a large pot.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato passata, ensuring it's evenly distributed with the beef.
- Pour a bit of beef broth into the empty tomato passata bottle, shake, and then pour it into the pot.
- Pour in the remaining beef broth along with Italian mixed herbs, chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Add the uncooked spaghetti to the pot, fanning it out around the mixture. Let it soften in the liquid for about 30 seconds, then gently push it under the sauce.
Cooking
- Bring the pot to a gentle boil and cook for 12 minutes, stirring every minute.
- Once the pasta is just al dente, remove from heat. Toss the pasta in the sauce for about 30 seconds.
- Dish up your One Pot Pasta Bolognese immediately, garnishing each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.