Spinach Sausage Fried Rice – Easy 20-Minute One-Pan Meal Loaded with Flavor & Greens

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One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese – Easy Weeknight Dinner + Rich, Comforting Flavours in Just One Pot

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One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is the ultimate comfort-food classic reinvented for busy home cooks. This dish delivers the deep, slow-simmered flavours of traditional Italian bolognese, but with a modern twist—everything cooks together in a single pot, including the pasta. The result is a rich, hearty, tomato-based spaghetti infused with beef, herbs, and aromatic garlic, with absolutely no need for multiple pans or long cooking times. It’s fast, flavourful, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone craving a cozy, home-style meal with minimal cleanup.

Bolognese sauce has its roots in Bologna, Italy, where families perfected the art of slow-cooking meat, tomatoes, and herbs into a deeply savoury ragΓΉ. This recipe captures that classic comfort but adapts it to modern life by bringing everything together in one pot—no draining, no fuss, and no extra dishes. As the spaghetti cooks directly in the tomato-rich beef sauce, it absorbs every layer of flavour, creating a fuller, more cohesive bite. Using tomato passata (puree) ensures a smooth, velvety texture, while Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami depth. For best results, choose good-quality beef mince with a little fat for richness, and a flavourful beef stock to enhance the sauce. This dish stores beautifully in the fridge, reheats well, and is ideal for make-ahead lunches or batch cooking.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

• Beef mince (ground beef) → Adds richness, hearty texture, and depth of flavour. A little fat improves tenderness and mouthfeel.
• Tomato passata (tomato puree) → Creates a smooth, velvety base with vibrant tomato flavour. Ideal for one-pot pasta where chunk-free sauce works best.
• Spaghetti (uncooked) → Cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing the broth and herbs for intensified flavour.
• Beef stock → Infuses the pasta with savoury depth while providing enough liquid for proper absorption.
• Garlic & onion → Form the aromatic foundation, adding natural sweetness and complexity.
• Dried herbs (thyme, oregano, basil) → Bring classic Italian aroma and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Worcestershire sauce → Adds umami, saltiness, and a subtle tang that elevates the sauce.
• Tomato paste → Thickens the sauce and boosts tomato richness.
• Parmesan & parsley → Optional garnish that adds freshness, nuttiness, and colour. 



One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Details

πŸ“Œ Prep Time: 10 minutes |Cook Time: 20 minutes |Total Time: 30 minutes |Cuisine: Italian-inspired, One-Pot Meal |Calories: Approx. 520 kcal per serving (estimate) |Servings: 4–5 servings

πŸ“ Ingredients 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500g beef mince (1.1 lb ground beef)
  • 700g tomato passata / tomato puree (24 oz)
  • 750ml beef stock (3 cups)
  • 400g spaghetti, uncooked (14 oz)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

πŸ‘¨‍🍳 Instructions 

  1. Heat the pot
    • Place a large pot over medium heat (180°C / 350°F).
    • Add olive oil, garlic, and chopped onion.
    • Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant and slightly softened.
  2. Cook the beef
    • Add the beef mince.
    • Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. 

  3. Add tomato base
    • Stir in the tomato passata.
    • Pour a little beef stock into the empty passata bottle, shake to rinse, and add it into the pot.
  4. Add remaining liquids & seasonings
    • Pour in the rest of the beef stock.
    • Add thyme, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper.
    • Mix well.
  5. Bring to a boil
    • Increase heat to high until the sauce begins bubbling.
  6. Add spaghetti
    • Add the uncooked spaghetti, submerging it into the sauce. 

    • Stir frequently for the first 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
  7. Cook the pasta
    • Reduce heat to medium (160°C / 320°F).
    • Simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Final touches
    • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    • Garnish with parmesan and parsley, if desired. 

  9. Serve hot
    • Dish out immediately for the best texture and flavour.

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

  • Vegan option:
    Swap beef for plant-based mince and use vegetable stock.
  • Gluten-free option:
    Use gluten-free spaghetti but reduce cooking time by 2–3 minutes (GF pasta softens faster).
  • Add vegetables:
    Finely diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms blend beautifully into the sauce.
  • Boost richness:
    Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a creamy bolognese.
  • Spice it up:
    Extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika.
  • Time-saving tip:
    Chop onion in advance and freeze in small zip bags for quick weeknight cooking.

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats very well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q2. Can I freeze One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese?
Yes—freeze for up to 2 months. Add a splash of water when reheating.

Q3. My pasta absorbed too much liquid. What should I do?
Add a little more stock or water and simmer until the desired consistency returns.

Q4. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely—penne, linguine, or fettuccine all work well.

Q5. Why cook pasta in the sauce instead of separately?
It absorbs the flavours and creates a richer, more unified dish.

Wrap-Up 

Comforting, rich, and incredibly easy—this One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect weeknight dinner that delivers big flavour with minimal cleanup. I hope you give it a try and make it part of your regular meal rotation! If you do, let me know in the comments how it turned out.

πŸ’¬ What’s your favourite way to customise spaghetti bolognese?
🍽️ Try this next: Canned Tuna Pasta

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