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Easy One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe For Minimal Cleanup Meals

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A quick and comforting one-pot spaghetti bolognese that combines rich, homemade flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean) – can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups (475ml) beef broth or water
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti, broken in half
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until onion is translucent and veggies soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef, crumble and cook until browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if excessive.
  5. Mix in the tomato paste and dried Italian herbs; cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth; stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Add the broken spaghetti evenly into the pot, pushing it down so it is mostly submerged. Add an additional 1/2 cup (120ml) broth or water if sauce looks dry. Cover with lid.
  9. Cook the pasta in the sauce, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Add more liquid if sauce thickens too much before pasta is tender.
  10. Remove from heat once pasta is cooked and sauce is thick and glossy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Stir frequently while pasta cooks to prevent clumping and sticking. Add extra broth or water if sauce thickens too quickly. Browning the meat well adds depth of flavor. Breaking spaghetti in half helps it fit and cook evenly. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid burning. For vegetarian versions, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, spaghetti bolognese, easy dinner, minimal cleanup, weeknight meal, comfort food, quick recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-one-pot-spaghetti-bolognese-recipe-for-minimal-cleanup-meals/