Welcome back to the Winter Comfort Food series, where we embrace warm bowls, minimal washing up, and absolutely zero judgment for eating dinner in sweat-pants while binge-watching whatever Netflix thinks we’ll like next.
If you’re cooking for one and craving something hearty, cheesy, and a little nostalgic (hello, childhood spag bol but with grown-up upgrades), you’re going to love this One-Pan Cheesy Bolognese Pasta. It’s fast, satisfying, and—bless its soul—it only needs one pan.
And yes, that means less time cleaning up and more time curled up with your hot bowl of happiness. Win-win.
Why This Recipe Is Your New Winter Bestie
- 🧀 Cheesy goodness – Enough said.
- 🍝 Pasta simmered in the sauce – No draining, no mess, no nonsense.
- 🧼 One-pan magic – Just you, a fork, and one glorious pan.
- 💸 Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and just enough mince for one.
- ⏱️ Ready in 20 mins – Faster than waiting for takeaway and much more comforting.
Ingredients (Serves 1 hungry human)
- 75g lean beef mince
- ½ cup pasta (any short shape like penne, spirals, or shells)
- ¼ onion, diced
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ tsp Italian herbs
- ¼ cup grated cheese (cheddar, tasty, or whatever’s hanging out in the fridge)
- Olive oil, salt & pepper
👉 Note: Don’t overthink the pasta shape. This is a no-fuss comfort bowl, not MasterChef.
Instructions
- Sizzle the start:
Heat a splash of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and beef mince. Cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking up the mince and stirring occasionally, until browned and the onion is soft. - Sauce it up:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, dry pasta, and ¾ cup of water. Yep—straight into the pan. No need to pre-cook the pasta. We’re all about efficiency here. - Simmer and chill (well, simmer and stir):
Cover and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes to make sure nothing sticks and the pasta cooks evenly. Add a splash more water if it looks too dry. You’re aiming for tender pasta and a thick, saucy hug in a pan. - Say cheese:
Stir through the grated cheese for melty goodness, or sprinkle it on top and pop a lid on for a minute to get that cheesy melt action. - Serve (or don’t bother with a bowl):
Dish it up… or eat it straight from the pan. No judgment here. Especially not on a cold winter night.
Solo Cook’s Tips
- No lid? Cover with foil or a large dinner plate. We make it work.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the tomatoes.
- Veg it up: Stir in a handful of baby spinach, frozen peas, or grated carrot before the cheese step.
- Swap it out: Use chicken mince, turkey, or even lentils if you’re going meat-free.
Storage & Reheat Tips
If you’ve somehow got leftovers (who are you?), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Pro tip: It somehow tastes even better the next day. Like all the best comfort food does.
Why It Works for Winter
This dish ticks all the winter comfort boxes: warm, cheesy, filling, and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for a solo weeknight in, especially when paired with fluffy socks, a cuppa tea (or glass of red), and your favourite crime doco.
And let’s be honest—there’s something extremely healing about a simple bowl of pasta, cooked just for you, by you. Especially when it doesn’t leave a sink full of dishes.
More Cosy Recipes for One
Looking for more warm bowls and winter cheer? Check out the full Winter Comfort Food series on Plan4One.com for more solo meal inspo that doesn’t taste like leftovers or require a dishwasher.
Let’s Keep It Cozy
If this cheesy one-pan wonder warmed your soul (and your stomach), don’t keep it to yourself.
Share it, pin it, or pass it on to your fellow solo foodies. Got questions or your own twist on the recipe? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you.
Stay warm, stay fed, and remember: one pan is all it takes.
