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One Pot Pasta Bolognese

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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.

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)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened (≈ 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes and broth; bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the uncooked pasta and stir well to combine.
  7. Cover and cook on low‑medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens (≈ 15–20 minutes).
  8. If using, stir in a splash of milk or cream for extra richness.
  9. Serve hot topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey or a plant-based substitute for a lighter version.
  • Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Stir in greens like spinach or kale near the end for added nutrition.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed—watch cooking times and add extra liquid if necessary.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add more broth or water to loosen while cooking.

Nutrition