This One Pot Macaroni Mince is the ultimate easy family dinner for busy weeknights. Made with savoury mince, tender pasta and hidden vegetables all simmered together in one pot, it’s hearty, comforting and packed with flavour.

Budget-friendly, kid-approved and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner time easier and keeps everyone asking for seconds.

Perfect served with garlic bread or a simple salad, this one-pot wonder is your go-to midweek meal.

dinner, mince, one pot, winter, child friendly, kid friendly, family friendly

dinner

Italian

Yield: 6-8

Author: Ange Zahn

One-Pot Macaroni Mince

This easy One Pot Macaroni Mince is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with mince, pasta and hidden veggies. All cooked in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep and freezer-friendly cooking.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

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Ingredients

1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
5 garlic cloves, crushed
500g pork & veal mince
1 zucchini, grated
1 carrot, grated
1 celery stalk, grated
1 tbsp Italian herbs
2 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp tomato paste
800ml passata
2 cups chicken stock
1½ cups macaroni (uncooked)
Grated cheese, to serve

Instructions

Heat a large pot over low heat and add olive oil.
Add onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Increase heat to high, add mince and cook until browned.
Reduce heat to medium, add grated vegetables and stir to combine.
Stir in herbs and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute to release flavours.
Add passata, chicken stock and macaroni. Stir well.
Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
Serve with grated cheese and enjoy.

Notes

TOP TIPS:

Switch proteins: Use beef, chicken or turkey mince depending on what you have.
Hidden veggie win: Grated vegetables melt into the sauce for extra nutrition without complaints.
Extra saucy: Add an extra ½ cup stock if you prefer a looser sauce.
Spice boost: Add a pinch of chilli flakes for gentle heat.
Make it creamy: Stir through cream or ricotta at the end for a richer finish.
Gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free pasta and stock.
Meal‑prep friendly: Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for later.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

479

Fat

25 g

Sat. Fat

8 g

Carbs

42 g

Fiber

5 g

Net carbs

36 g

Sugar

12 g

Protein

24 g

Sodium

289 mg

Cholesterol

67 mg

The nutritional information provided is computer generated and is only an estimate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.

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