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One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese – A Fast, Cozy Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85–90% lean), or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (28-ounce/800 g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 1/2–4 cups beef or chicken broth, or water (start with 3 1/2 cups, add more as needed)
  • 12 ounces (340 g) dry spaghetti, broken in half
  • 1–2 teaspoons sugar or balsamic vinegar (to balance acidity), optional
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half (optional, for richness)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

Method
 

  1. Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until softened and slightly golden.
  2. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant. Push the vegetables to the sides and add the ground beef to the center.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to toast it. This deepens the flavor and reduces any raw taste.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and 3 1/2 cups broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Add the spaghetti, breaking it in half so it fits. Press the pasta down so it’s submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low for a steady simmer.
  7. Cook 10–14 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add more broth in small splashes if the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is al dente.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add sugar or a splash of balsamic if the sauce tastes overly sharp. For a creamier finish, stir in milk or half-and-half.
  9. Turn off the heat and let the pot rest 2–3 minutes. The pasta will finish absorbing sauce and thicken slightly.
  10. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve with plenty of Parmesan.