One-Pot Macaroni Mince
This One Pot Macaroni Mince is the ultimate easy family dinner for busy weeknights.
Everything cooks together in the one pot, mince, pasta and a rich tomato sauce. So there’s minimal prep, barely any dishes and a hearty, flavour-packed meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The grated veggies melt straight into the sauce, adding extra goodness without anyone even noticing.
It’s budget-friendly, family-approved and easy to adapt with whatever you’ve got in the fridge. The kind of reliable recipe that makes the 5pm dinner rush feel just that little bit easier.
We usually serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad, and there’s never much left by the end, always a good sign.
If you love simple, no-fuss dinners like this, you might also enjoy my Teriyaki Meatballs, another quick favourite that’s on regular rotation in our house.
One pot. Minimal mess. Dinner sorted. A hearty family meal that saves your weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ One pot = less mess and faster cleanup
✔ Budget-friendly using simple pantry ingredients
✔ Hidden veggies for extra nutrition
✔ Family-approved and kid-friendly
✔ Perfect for meal prep and freezer meals
FAQ:
Can I freeze One Pot Macaroni Mince?
Yes, let it cool completely then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I use different mince?
Absolutely. Beef, chicken or turkey mince all work well in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep lunches or dinners.
More Dinner Recipes You’ll Love:
• Asian Beef Mince (quick weeknight favourite)
• 4 Ingredient Gnocchi Bake (easy comfort food)
• Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings (set and forget dinner)
• BBQ Meatlovers Pizza (fast family meal)
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.
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
479Fat
25 gSat. Fat
8 gCarbs
42 gFiber
5 gNet carbs
36 gSugar
12 gProtein
24 gSodium
289 mgCholesterol
67 mgThe nutritional information provided is computer generated and is only an estimate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.
