One Pot Bolognese Cheesy Pasta Bake combines a rich, hearty Bolognese sauce with tender twirls of pasta, all topped with a golden, melty layer of mozzarella cheese. This easy one-pot meal offers a satisfying and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One Pot Bolognese Cheesy Pasta Bake brings together the hearty flavors of a slow-simmered Bolognese and the convenience of a one-pot meal. It is perfect for a family dinner, offering a cheesy, meaty, and filling dish with minimal cleanup. Plus, its simple ingredients and method make it an accessible and rewarding recipe for cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 250g fusilli or rotini pasta
- 300g ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups water or beef broth
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the dry pasta and water (or beef broth), stirring well to combine.
- Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the lid, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 460 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini before baking for added nutrients.
- Different Cheese: Use a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone for a richer cheese topping.
- Ground Turkey Substitute: Replace beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Creamy Twist: Stir a splash of heavy cream into the sauce before baking for a creamier texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the pasta bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. Add a little splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or macaroni are good alternatives to fusilli or rotini.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and bake it when ready to serve. Refrigerate covered for up to one day before baking.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
Water is an easy substitute, or you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to bake covered initially and check the pasta for doneness before adding the cheese.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is fresh basil necessary?
Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef for a deeper flavor.
How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra layer of cheese between the pasta and sauce before topping and baking.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the dish.
Can I cook it entirely on the stovetop?
While baking is preferred for a cheesy top, you can cook everything on the stovetop and melt the cheese under a broiler if needed.
Conclusion
One Pot Bolognese Cheesy Pasta Bake is the perfect dish when you want a comforting, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and irresistible cheesy topping, this simple bake is sure to become a regular feature in your weeknight dinner rotation.
PrintOne Pot Bolognese Cheesy Pasta Bake
This hearty One Pot Bolognese Cheesy Pasta Bake features rich, meaty sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a melty golden cheese topping — an easy, comforting dinner made in just one pot, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: One Pot, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
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250g fusilli or rotini pasta
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300g ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon dried basil
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon pepper
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cups water or beef broth
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
-
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned.
-
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
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Add the dry pasta and water (or beef broth), mixing thoroughly to combine.
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Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove the lid, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Notes
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Use beef broth for a richer flavor compared to water.
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Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter version.
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Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
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Fresh mozzarella slices can be used for an even gooier top.