Name: One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian‑Inspired
Ingredients: Ground beef; Onion, diced; Garlic, minced; Carrot, finely diced; Celery, finely diced; Olive oil; Tomato paste; Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; Beef broth or water; Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme); Salt; Black pepper; Uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar); Milk or cream (optional, for richness); Parmesan cheese (for serving); Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

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One pot pasta Bolognese is my go-to when I want all the rich, hearty flavor of a traditional meat sauce with none of the hassle. Everything — including the pasta — cooks in the same pot, making cleanup a breeze and the results incredibly delicious. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s ready in under an hour and tastes like it simmered all day.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers a full-flavored Bolognese with so little effort. By cooking the pasta directly in the sauce, it soaks up all those savory juices and helps thicken the dish naturally. I only have one pot to clean afterward, which is always a win. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a hungry group, this one-pot version never lets me down. One Pot Pasta Bolognese

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Carrot (finely diced)
Celery (finely diced)
Olive oil
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Beef broth or water
Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
Salt
Black pepper
Uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or short pasta of choice)
Milk or cream (optional, for richness)
Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
I sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. I season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
I stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute before adding the crushed tomatoes and broth.
I bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta and stir well.
I cover and cook on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
If using, I stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end for extra richness.
I serve it hot with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

I use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
I add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
I stir in spinach or kale at the end for a boost of greens.
I swap in gluten-free pasta when needed — I just keep an eye on cooking time.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well — I store portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating. One Pot Pasta Bolognese

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I usually stick to short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli because they cook evenly and hold the sauce well. Just check the cooking time and adjust as needed.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

Nope — that’s the beauty of this recipe. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor and making cleanup easy.

What if the sauce gets too thick?

I add a little more broth or water as needed to loosen it up while the pasta finishes cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I just skip the milk or cream at the end and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative if I want that cheesy finish.

Is it okay to use jarred sauce?

I prefer crushed tomatoes for the classic flavor, but I’ve definitely used a good-quality jarred marinara in a pinch and it works just fine.

Conclusion

One pot pasta Bolognese is a total lifesaver when I want a hearty, flavorful meal without all the steps (or dishes). It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights when I still want something homemade and delicious. Once I make it this way, it’s hard to go back to the traditional version — and I never miss the extra pans.