One pan bolognese in 30 minutes!

This simple and delicious one-pan lentil bolognese is a great choice for a tasty, filling and affordable family meal. It is quick and straight forward to prepare, making it ideal for busy days when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, followed by around 10–30 minutes of cooking time, so you can have a satisfying meal on the table without too much effort.

Lentils are used alongside a smaller amount of minced meat, helping to make the meal go further while keeping the overall cost down. They are also a useful source of fibre and contain less saturated fat than relying on mince alone. The lentils add a hearty texture and help create a rich, satisfying bolognese sauce that the whole family can enjoy.

This recipe is suitable for a budget-friendly meal plan for four people and is designed to make use of inexpensive store-cupboard ingredients. In September 2023, the recipe was estimated to cost an average of £4.39, based on prices checked across four UK supermarkets. Prices may vary depending on where you shop and the ingredients you choose, but using lentils and other affordable cupboard staples can help keep the cost of the meal low.

Overall, this is a practical, comforting and economical recipe that combines convenience, flavour and value, making it a great option when you're looking for a quick homemade meal that can feed the whole family.

One pan bolognese- ingredient list!

One medium onion, cut finely
250g/9oz of any kind of beef mince 400g of drained green lentils 400g of chopped tomatoes 250g/9oz of dry penne pasta or any shape of pasta
One cube of beef stock
Three tablespoons of tomato ketchup
Half a teaspoon of dried mixed herbs
75g/2½oz cheddar, freshly ground black pepper, and finely shredded salt

One pan bolognese- step by step instruction guide! 

Step 1
Begin by adding the chopped onion and minced beef to a wide-based saucepan, deep frying pan, or sauté pan. Place the pan over a medium-high heat and allow the ingredients to cook for approximately 5 minutes. Stir the onion and mince regularly as they cook, using the back of a wooden spoon or spatula to press and break up the mince into smaller pieces. Continue stirring and squishing the beef until it is evenly separated and no large chunks remain.

Step 2
As the mince cooks, the onion will begin to soften and the beef will start to brown, helping to develop a richer flavour for the bolognese. There is generally no need to add any oil at this stage, as the fat released from the mince should provide enough moisture to prevent the ingredients from sticking. However, if you are using extra-lean mince that contains very little fat, you can add a small amount of oil to the pan if needed. Keep the heat at medium-high and continue cooking until the mince is browned and the onion has started to soften

Step 3
Add the lentils, tomatoes and 700ml/1¼ pint water to the pan, stirring everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. Make sure the lentils are evenly mixed through the mince and onion, and that the water has blended into the tomato mixture to create a smooth, well-covered sauce.

Step 4
Stir in the pasta, making sure it is well mixed through the sauce. Crumble the stock cube over the top and add the tomato ketchup and mixed herbs, stirring everything together thoroughly so that the flavours are evenly distributed throughout the pan. Season generously with plenty of freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the amount to suit your taste.

Step 5
Cover the pan with a lid and bring the mixture to the boil, allowing it to heat through thoroughly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a lower setting and leave it to simmer gently for around 18–20 minutes, or until the pasta has become tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir the mixture occasionally throughout the cooking time to ensure that everything cooks evenly and the ingredients do not stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 6
As the pasta gets closer to being fully cooked, stir the mixture more frequently, particularly towards the end of the cooking time. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking together or catching on the base of the pan. If the sauce still appears too watery once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and allow it to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. This will help some of the excess liquid evaporate and allow the sauce to become thicker and richer.

Step 7
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has reached the right consistency, taste the bolognese and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add salt and additional ground black pepper to taste, stirring well so that the seasoning is evenly combined before serving.

Step 8
Serve the bolognese straight away while it is hot, either on its own or with a generous sprinkling of grated cheese over the top. For a more golden and melted cheese topping, transfer the cooked bolognese into an ovenproof dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the surface, then place the dish under a hot grill for around 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned lightly golden.

Step 9
Keep a close eye on the dish while it is under the grill, as the cheese can brown quickly. Once melted to your liking, carefully remove the dish from the grill and serve while hot. The remaining cheese can be served separately at the table so that everyone can add as much as they like, or it can be stored and saved to use with another meal.

Recipe tip!
Any other mince can be used in place of the beef mince, which is useful if pig or turkey mince is available. You may freeze the rest in a reusable plastic container or a zip-lock bag if you decide to purchase a bigger quantity.