One Pot Pasta Bolognese
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Looking for a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and hassle-free? One Pot Pasta Bolognese is your answer! This comforting dish combines the rich flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti in one single pot. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this recipe is designed to impress without taking hours in the kitchen. I can’t help but smile whenever I whip this up—it’s my go-to dish that brings the family together for a delicious meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why should you dive into making One Pot Pasta Bolognese? For starters, it’s ridiculously easy and takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe eliminates the hassle of multiple pots, making cleanup a breeze. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Plus, kids love it! Picture a warm bowl of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and tender beef mingling together—a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, comforting in cold weather, or whenever you crave Italian flavors at home.
“I tried the One Pot Pasta Bolognese last week, and it was a hit! Quick to prepare, and my kids gobbled it up. I loved the ease of cleaning up afterward. Definitely my new go-to recipe!”—A Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Making One Pot Pasta Bolognese is both straightforward and satisfying. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then brown the beef before adding the rest of the ingredients. Let it simmer for a bit, add your spaghetti, and everything cooks together! This method ensures the pasta absorbs all the delicious sauce, creating a comforting and rich dish. In short, it’s all about layering flavors and simplicity.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for your delicious One Pot Pasta Bolognese:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500g / 1 lb lean beef mince (ground beef)
- 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 chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp pepper
- 350g / 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked; other pasta can be used)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Feel free to modify based on what you have on hand—ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for beef, making it a versatile base!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the cooking process into manageable steps:
Sauté onion & garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
Cook beef: Add in the beef mince, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir until fully browned.
Add tomato: Once the beef changes color, pour in the tomato passata and stir well.
Rinse out the passata bottle: To not waste any flavor, add a splash of beef stock to the empty passata bottle, shake it, and pour it into your pot.
Combine remaining ingredients: Add the rest of the beef stock, mixed herbs, chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring it to a boil.
Incorporate spaghetti: Add the uncooked spaghetti, fanning it out. Let it sit for 30 seconds to soften, and then push it down into the liquid.
Cook the pasta: Allow everything to bubble together for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium after 8 minutes to avoid burning at the bottom.
Finish and serve: When the pasta is just shy of fully cooked and the sauce is thick, take it off the heat and toss it for about 30 seconds. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving One Pot Pasta Bolognese can be just as delightful as making it. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top elevates the flavor, while a drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely sheen. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty bread for a full meal experience. And don’t forget a glass of red wine for those cozy evenings!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Store your One Pot Pasta Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and simply add pasta when you’re ready to serve.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Letting the beef brown properly adds depth to the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes, or leave them out altogether.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with your One Pot Pasta Bolognese! You can add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. For a twist on the flavor, try adding a splash of red wine during the beef cooking stage or fresh basil at the end for a burst of color and flavor.
Your Questions Answered
Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, feel free to swap spaghetti for any pasta you prefer, just be mindful of the cooking time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? Substitute beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for the sauce.
What if I don’t have any Worcestershire sauce? You can replace it with soy sauce or omit it entirely, adjusting other seasonings to maintain flavor.
Now that you’ve got all the juicy details for this delightful One Pot Pasta Bolognese, I hope you’ll bring a little Italian flair to your kitchen soon! It’s a comforting dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over high heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add in the beef mince, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir until fully browned.
- Once the beef changes color, pour in the tomato passata and stir well.
- To not waste any flavor, add a splash of beef stock to the empty passata bottle, shake it, and pour it into your pot.
- Add the rest of the beef stock, mixed herbs, chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and bring it to a boil.
- Add the uncooked spaghetti, fanning it out. Let it sit for 30 seconds to soften, and then push it down into the liquid.
- Allow everything to bubble together for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium after 8 minutes to avoid burning at the bottom.
- When the pasta is just shy of fully cooked and the sauce is thick, take it off the heat and toss it for about 30 seconds.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
