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When cool autumn nights call for comfort food, nothing hits the spot like a rich, hearty one-pot spaghetti Bolognese for one. It’s the kind of solo dinner that feels like a warm hug, minus the mountain of dishes. Whether you’re living alone, cooking in a dorm, or just craving a night off from takeout, this one-pot spaghetti Bolognese for one delivers depth of flavor, minimal cleanup, and a perfectly portioned bowl of coziness. Best part? It’s all done in one pot, just stir, simmer, and serve.
Ingredients for One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese For One
This recipe is crafted for a true single serving , no leftovers, no waste.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tsp |
| Ground beef (85% lean) | 3 oz (about 1/4 cup packed) |
| Yellow onion, finely chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Crushed tomatoes (canned) | 1/2 cup |
| Water or low-sodium beef broth | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Italian herbs | 1/2 tsp |
| Spaghetti (dry) | 2 oz (about 56g or 1/8 of a box) |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Parmesan (optional) | 1 tbsp grated |
How to Make One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese for One
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Build the sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, herbs, and broth (or water). Stir to combine.
- Add spaghetti: Break spaghetti in half and nestle it into the sauce. Push it down gently to submerge.
- Simmer uncovered: Let everything simmer on medium-low for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if it looks too dry.
- Check for doneness: When the pasta is tender and the sauce thickened, it’s done. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot: Plate it up and top with Parmesan if using.
Smart Swaps & Substitutions
| Swap This | For This | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey or lentils | Leaner or plant-based |
| Crushed tomatoes | Tomato passata or marinara | Adjust texture/flavor |
| Spaghetti | Linguine, angel hair, or gluten-free pasta | Keeps it flexible |
| Beef broth | Water + bouillon or veggie broth | Adds depth |
| Parmesan | Nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese | Great for dairy-free diets |
No matter how you swap it, this one-pot spaghetti Bolognese for one stays weeknight-friendly.
Looking for more solo pasta ideas? Try the Pumpkin Parmesan Spaghetti for a fall-forward twist or go full comfort with One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs For One.
Serving Tips for One
- Pair with a crisp side salad or roasted zucchini for extra veg, similar to our Autumn Veggie Spaghetti.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper for that restaurant finish.
- Want more protein? Top with a fried egg like we do in our Beef Mushroom Stroganoff Spaghetti.
- Storing leftovers? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can hold for 1 day in the fridge if needed.
Why One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Is Perfect for Solo Cooking
Making Bolognese for one might sound like overkill, but this one-pot method changes everything. Here’s why it works:
- Everything cooks in one pan, including the pasta — less cleanup, less hassle.
- No leftover ingredients — this recipe uses pantry staples in solo-friendly amounts.
- No need to drain pasta — the liquid simmers into the sauce, locking in flavor.
- Perfectly portioned — it’s satisfying but doesn’t leave you overly full or stuck with extra servings.
If you’re navigating solo dinners regularly, check out the Low-Carb One-Pot Spaghetti For One for a lighter variation or this Vegan One-Pot Spaghetti for plant-based nights.
Pro Tips for Texture, Timing, and Technique
To get that just-right balance of bite and sauce, here are some expert-level solo cook tips:
- Use a smaller pan (6–8 inches) to concentrate flavors and prevent the sauce from spreading too thin.
- Don’t skimp on stirring, one-pot pasta needs movement every 2–3 minutes or it can stick.
- Simmer uncovered to allow the sauce to reduce and cling to the pasta. A lid will make it soupy.
- Test the pasta at the 10-minute mark. Different brands and thicknesses affect cooking time.
- If using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, add 1–2 tbsp extra liquid and cook 1–2 minutes longer.
Final Tips Before You Cook
- Can I meal prep this? Yes, but only for 1–2 days max. Pasta will soften a bit.
- Make it creamy with a splash of milk or cream added in the final 2 minutes.
- Spice it up with chili flakes, or go smoky with a pinch of paprika.
FAQ: One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese For One
How much spaghetti do I make for one person?
For one person, use 2 ounces (about 56g) of dry spaghetti. That’s roughly the size of a quarter in diameter when bunched up. This portion expands to a full plate once cooked and pairs perfectly with single-serving Bolognese. If you’re using high-protein or whole wheat pasta, you might feel fuller even with the same amount.
How much spaghetti Bolognese sauce per person?
A good serving of spaghetti Bolognese sauce per person is about 3/4 cup total, including meat and tomato. This keeps the pasta coated without overwhelming it. You can adjust slightly if you prefer it extra saucy or want to stretch it with a piece of crusty bread on the side.
How many jars of spaghetti sauce for 1 pound of meat?
For 1 pound of ground beef, you’ll need one standard jar (24 oz) of spaghetti sauce to make a balanced, family-sized Bolognese. For a solo meal like this one-pot spaghetti Bolognese for one, you only need 1/2 cup of sauce with 3 oz of meat, about 1/6 of a jar.
What is one serving of spaghetti Bolognese?
One standard serving is 2 oz of dry spaghetti plus 3/4 cup of Bolognese sauce. This yields one satisfying plate for dinner. If you’re tracking nutrition, this serving offers around 490 calories with balanced protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It’s portioned just right to avoid waste or overeating, ideal for solo cooking.
One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese For One
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This one-pot spaghetti Bolognese for one is a cozy fall dinner cooked entirely in one pan. Quick, flavorful, and perfectly portioned with zero waste and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 tsp olive oil
3 oz ground beef (85% lean)
2 tbsp finely chopped yellow onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
2 oz dry spaghetti
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef. Brown it, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 3–4 minutes. Season lightly.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, herbs, and broth. Combine well.
5. Break spaghetti in half and add to the pan. Push it down to submerge.
6. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once pasta is tender and sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve hot with Parmesan on top if using.
Notes
If using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, add 1–2 tbsp more liquid and cook a minute or two longer.
Swap beef for turkey, lentils, or meatless crumbles for variation.
Don’t cover the pot — uncovered simmering creates a rich, thick sauce.
Store any leftovers for up to 24 hours in the fridge, though it’s best eaten fresh.
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