Description

A creamy, comforting one-pot pasta dish made with tender pasta shells, savory beef bolognese sauce, and rich cheddar cheese. Easy to make and perfect for a family dinner!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely diced

1 carrot, finely diced

1 celery stick, finely diced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

450 g (1 lb) minced beef

3 tbsp tomato purée (tomato paste)

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried thyme

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

300 ml (1¼ cups) beef stock (or water + 2 stock cubes)

120 ml (½ cup) milk (half-fat or full-fat)

2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins finely chopped tomatoes

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

300 g (10.5 oz) pasta shells

120 ml (½ cup) double (heavy) cream

100 g (1 packed cup) grated cheddar

Chopped chives (to serve)

Chilli flakes (to serve)

Grated parmesan (to serve)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the minced beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned all over.
Stir in the tomato purée, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, milk, chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, stirring to combine.
Add the pasta shells to the pan. Return to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 17–22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the lid and stir in the double cream and grated cheddar. Mix until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
Spoon the creamy bolognese pasta into bowls and top with chopped chives, a pinch of chili flakes, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan for extra flavor.

Notes

Vegetarian Version: Swap minced beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.

Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes or diced fresh chili to the sauce for more heat.

Extra Veggies: Add zucchini or mushrooms to the bolognese for more texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-pot, Stove-top
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 60mg