Tired after a long day and don’t want to wash a pile of dishes? This One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is your new dinner hero!
It’s a simple, flavorful pasta recipe that cooks everything — spaghetti, sauce, and meat — in one pot. That means less time cooking and cleaning, and more time relaxing or watching your favorite show.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting Italian-style meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Let’s see how easy it is to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to cook this quick and easy dinner:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground beef | 500 grams |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes | 400 grams |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried Italian herbs | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Water or broth | 4 cups |
| Spaghetti | 300 grams |
| Parmesan cheese | For garnish |
| Fresh basil (optional) | Few leaves |
All these ingredients are easy to find and affordable. You can also use chicken, turkey, or vegetarian mince if you prefer a lighter option.
How to Make One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
Step 1: Cook the Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Meat
Add the ground beef (or your choice of protein) and cook until it turns brown. Break it apart using a spoon so it cooks evenly. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs for flavor.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Mix in the tomato puree and tomato paste, stirring everything well. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes so the sauce thickens and deepens in flavor.
Step 4: Add Water and Pasta
Pour in 4 cups of water or broth and bring it to a boil. Then add the spaghetti directly into the pot. Push it down gently so it’s covered by the liquid.
Cook uncovered, stirring often, until the pasta is soft and the sauce has thickened — usually 10–12 minutes. If it gets too thick, you can add a little extra water.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the spaghetti is cooked and the sauce is creamy, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. That’s it — your one-pot meal is ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Everything cooks in one pot in under 30 minutes.
- Less cleanup: Fewer dishes to wash!
- Full of flavor: Tastes like traditional Italian spaghetti.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
- Customizable: Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Pasta
- Use a large deep pot to avoid overflow when boiling.
- Stir often to stop the spaghetti from sticking together.
- If you like it spicy, add chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
This One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is proof that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just one pot, basic ingredients, and 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty meal that feels home-cooked and full of love.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe will soon become one of your go-to favorites!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with soy mince, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
How can I make it creamier?
Add a little cream or cheese at the end of cooking to give it a richer texture.
Can I use other pasta types?
Of course! Penne, fusilli, or linguine all work well — just adjust the cooking time.
