This hearty One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is a cozy weeknight hero: rich, saucy, and comforting, with tender pasta cooked right in the same pot as the savory meat sauce. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor perfect for busy evenings when you want real home-cooked comfort without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the spaghetti to the pot, breaking it in half if needed so it fits and is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the spaghetti is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- If the sauce looks too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of extra broth or water. If it’s too thin at the end, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.
Variation
- Swap the meat: Use ground chicken, pork, or a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a hearty meatless version.
- Add more veggies: Stir in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Cooking Notes
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer once the pasta is added too high and the liquid may reduce before the spaghetti is cooked.
- The starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, so don’t worry if it looks a bit brothy at first; it will come together as it cooks.
- If using lean ground turkey, add a small extra drizzle of olive oil while browning to keep the sauce rich and silky.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Add warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to mop up every last bit of sauce.
- Finish each bowl with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, a grind of black pepper, and a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-style touch.
Tips
- Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking so the recipe flows quickly and smoothly.
- If you’re cooking for kids or picky eaters, finely mince the carrot and celery so they melt into the sauce.
- Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully add a splash of water or broth when warming to loosen the sauce back up.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but choose a sturdy brand and stir gently; gluten-free pasta can break more easily. You may also need to reduce the cooking time slightly. - Can I freeze this one-pot spaghetti Bolognese?
Yes. Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of water or broth. - What if my pasta isn’t done but the liquid is gone?
Add 1/4 cup of hot water or broth at a time and continue to simmer, stirring, until the pasta is al dente. - Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is everything a cozy dinner should be: deeply savory, saucy, and satisfying, with hardly any cleanup to face afterward. With simple ingredients and a single pot, you can have a homemade classic on the table in well under an hour perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or anytime you crave true comfort in a bowl.
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One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This hearty One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is a cozy weeknight hero: rich, saucy, and comforting, with tender pasta cooked right in the same pot as the savory meat sauce. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor perfect for busy evenings when you want real home-cooked comfort without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the spaghetti to the pot, breaking it in half if needed so it fits and is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the spaghetti is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- If the sauce looks too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of extra broth or water. If it’s too thin at the end, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Break the spaghetti in half if necessary so it nestles easily into the pot and cooks evenly.
- Stir the pot a few times while simmering to keep the pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom.
- Use a flavorful broth you enjoy; it becomes part of the sauce and makes a big difference in the final taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 580 mg (approx., will vary with broth and salt)
- Fat: 17 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 5 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 58 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 5 g (approx.)
- Protein: 26 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 70 mg (approx.)
Keywords: one-pot spaghetti bolognese, easy bolognese, one-pan pasta, weeknight dinner, ground beef pasta, cozy comfort food