One Pot Pasta Bolognese

This One Pot Pasta Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With lean beef, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings together classic Italian flavors in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s quick, hearty, and delicious—perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want a satisfying meal without much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Pasta Bolognese is everything you love about traditional Bolognese sauce, but with a time-saving twist. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors as it simmers, ensuring a perfect, flavorful bite with every forkful. The dish is made in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Plus, it’s customizable to your spice preferences with the option to adjust the chili flakes. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 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 (red pepper flakes, adjust to taste)

• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 3/4 tsp pepper

• 350g (12 oz) uncooked spaghetti (or other pasta)

For serving:

• Parmesan (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté onion & garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Cook garlic and onion for 2 minutes, or until translucent.

2. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until browned.

3. Add tomato passata: Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato passata.

4. Rinse the bottle: Pour some beef stock into the empty tomato bottle, shake it up, then pour the mixture into the pot.

5. Add remaining ingredients: Add the remaining beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Italian herbs, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring it to a boil.

6. Add spaghetti: Add uncooked spaghetti, fanning it out around the pot. Let it sit for 30 seconds to start softening, then gently push it under the liquid.

7. Cook pasta: Once fully submerged, cook for 12 minutes, stirring every minute, and adjusting the heat as needed. Lower the heat to medium around the 8-minute mark to prevent the sauce from catching.

8. Toss & serve: Once the pasta is just cooked (slightly firmer than you’d like), remove from heat. Toss the pasta and sauce for about 30 seconds to allow the sauce to thicken further.

9. Serve immediately: Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5–6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Pasta options: You can swap out the spaghetti for other types of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or any small pasta shape. Adjust cooking time based on the pasta you use.

• Meatless option: For a vegetarian version, use lentils, plant-based ground meat, or mushrooms instead of beef.

• Extra veggies: Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the sauté mix for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy kick: If you love spice, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover One Pot Pasta Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato passata?

Yes, crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato passata. If using crushed tomatoes, you might want to blend them to get a smoother sauce.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can use water or a vegetable broth if you don’t have beef broth, though beef broth adds a richer flavor. You can also use stock cubes dissolved in water.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, One Pot Pasta Bolognese is great for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors continue to develop over time.

How do I adjust the spice level?

You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes, or you can omit them entirely for a milder sauce. You can also add hot sauce for extra spice.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check the ingredients in your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands may contain gluten.

What other herbs can I use in this recipe?

If you don’t have Italian mixed herbs, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

Taste a piece of pasta around the 12-minute mark. The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm (al dente). If it’s too firm, continue cooking for a minute or two.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! You can freeze the One Pot Pasta Bolognese for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and store it in an airtight container.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?

Yes, you can use tomato sauce in place of tomato paste, though the flavor may be slightly milder. You may want to cook it down a little longer to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

One Pot Pasta Bolognese is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender pasta cooked right in a rich tomato sauce, it’s a hearty and comforting meal that everyone will love. The best part? It’s made in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. Customize it with your favorite spices and pasta, and you’ll have a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious!

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