One-Pot Beef Bolognese: A Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner
Craving a comforting Italian classic without the fuss? This One-Pot Beef Bolognese is the answer! Imagine rich, meaty sauce simmered to perfection, coating tender pasta, all cooked in a single pot. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution. Say goodbye to mountains of dishes and hello to deliciousness!
If you’re looking for more quick and easy weeknight favorites, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken and my Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches. Both are guaranteed to become family favorites!
Want to sneak some extra veggies into your family’s diet? Try my Hidden Veggie Chocolate Muffins! They’re a delicious and sneaky way to get those extra nutrients in.
Why This One-Pot Beef Bolognese Recipe Stands Out!
This recipe is everything you want in a comforting pasta dinner. We’re talking a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, tender ground beef, a medley of vegetables for added depth, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan to finish. And the best part? It’s all made in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor!
It offers that cozy and filling feeling, similar to my Chicken Parmesan Casserole and Fiesta Chicken Casserole, but it’s quick enough to whip up even on the busiest weeknights. This One-Pot Beef Bolognese truly is a weeknight winner.
🔍 Quick Look: One-Pot Beef Bolognese
This one-pot pasta recipe makes dinner incredibly easy. You get all the classic Bolognese flavor you love in a fraction of the time. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all that deliciousness for maximum flavor and, most importantly, fewer dishes to wash!
- ⏰ Ready In: 32 minutes
- đź›’ Key Ingredients: Ground Beef, Tomatoes, Parmesan
- 🍽️ Servings: 4
- 👩‍🍳 Difficulty: Easy
- 🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores 3–4 days in fridge; freezer-friendly for 2 months
If you enjoyed today’s recipe, you might also like my Sausage Orzo Soup or One-Pot White Chicken Lasagna Soup. Both are equally delicious and easy to make!
Step-by-Step Recipe Video
Simple Ingredients for Amazing Flavor
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying One-Pot Beef Bolognese. This recipe uses simple pantry staples like beef, veggies, pasta, and tomato sauce. Much like my Low Carb Turkey and Veggie Skillet, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a hearty and comforting dinner that the whole family will love.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Protein: I recommend using lean ground beef (91/9) for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease. However, you can easily substitute Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different twist.
Consider making this easy slow cooker ground beef recipe ahead of time! This is perfect for prepping ground beef for this recipe and freezing it for future meals.
- Vegetables: Onion, carrot, and celery (also known as a soffritto) form the foundation of the flavor in this Bolognese. Dice them finely so they melt seamlessly into the sauce as it simmers.
- Tomatoes: A 28 oz can of diced tomatoes provides the perfect chunky texture for the sauce. If you prefer a smoother sauce, feel free to swap them with crushed tomatoes.
- Pasta: Fettuccine noodles cook directly in the pot, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Breaking the noodles in half before adding them makes stirring easier and prevents clumping.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and rich element to the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan melts best, creating a creamy and flavorful finish.
Need a quick and easy lunch option? Pick up a rotisserie chicken and whip up this super quick Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even served over lettuce.
The Rest of the Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive oil
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Dash of salt and pepper
- Water
You can find a full ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Additions: Make It Your Own!
One of the best things about this One-Pot Beef Bolognese recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your liking with these easy substitutions and additions:
- Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. Each will lend a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
- Pasta: While I love fettuccine, linguine or spaghetti are also excellent choices. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the type of pasta you use.
- Add-ins: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or a handful of fresh spinach towards the end of cooking.
For a comprehensive list of all substitutions and additions I recommend for this recipe, please see the recipe card below.
Recipe Tips for Perfect One-Pot Bolognese
- SautĂ© the vegetables well before adding the beef. This step is crucial for developing a deep and complex flavor base. Don’t rush it!
- Break the pasta in half before adding it to the pot. This makes it easier to stir and cook evenly.
- Stir the Bolognese frequently throughout the cooking process. This prevents the noodles from clumping together and ensures even cooking.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining (if needed). If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of pasta water will loosen it up and add extra flavor.
How to Make One-Pot Beef Bolognese: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 7–8 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. This step is key to building a rich flavor base.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help to caramelize the tomato paste and deepen its flavor. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, water, and fettuccine noodles to the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10–18 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Be sure to stir often to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Yes! Ground turkey or ground chicken both work well as substitutes. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be lighter than when using beef.
Absolutely not! Spaghetti or linguine are excellent alternatives. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the pasta.
If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, simply simmer the Bolognese uncovered for a few extra minutes. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it up.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Allow the One-Pot Beef Bolognese to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, divide the Bolognese into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the pot or microwave-safe dish to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat until heated through.
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Beef Bolognese One-Pot
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 32 mins
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients
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2 tbs olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 ribs of celery, sliced
1 large carrot, chopped
2 tbs tomato paste
1 lb LEAN ground beef, 91%/9%
28 oz diced tomatoes
2 tsp Italian seasoning
dash of salt and pepper
3 cups water
½ lb fettuccine noodles
½ cup parmesan cheese
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Instructions
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot. Once hot, add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté 7–8 minutes until softened.
2 tbs olive oil, 1 onion, 2 ribs of celery, 1 large carrot
Stir in tomato paste, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
2 tbs tomato paste, 1 lb LEAN ground beef
Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, water, and fettuccine noodles. Stir well.
28 oz diced tomatoes, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, dash of salt and pepper, 3 cups water, ½ lb fettuccine noodles
Simmer covered 10–18 minutes, stirring often, until noodles are cooked through.
Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.
½ cup parmesan cheese
Video
Notes
Protein swaps: turkey, chicken, or pork.
Pasta swaps: spaghetti, linguine.
Add-ins: mushrooms, spinach, zucchini.
Storage: Refrigerate 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: With splash of water to restore sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.