This hearty one-pot spaghetti with rich meat sauce is a weeknight lifesaver. Everything cooks together in one pot pasta, beef, and sauce making cleanup simple while delivering full, comforting flavors the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the spaghetti, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Variation
- Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage to add a spiced, savory depth of flavor.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier twist.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and texture.
Cooking Notes
- Stir the spaghetti occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking together.
- If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a restaurant-style touch.
- Pair with warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad with Italian dressing for a balanced meal.
Tips
- Break the spaghetti in half before adding it to the pot to ensure it fits and cooks evenly.
- Use a high-quality crushed tomato brand for a richer sauce.
- Make it ahead: this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer, but adjust the cooking time as needed. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. -
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. -
How can I make this spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef for extra heat.
Conclusion
This one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce is a simple, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that makes weeknight dinners stress-free. With minimal cleanup and rich, hearty flavors, it’s sure to become a staple on your dinner table.
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One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty one-pot spaghetti with rich meat sauce is a weeknight lifesaver. Everything cooks together in one pot pasta, beef, and sauce making cleanup simple while delivering full, comforting flavors the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the spaghetti, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: one-pot spaghetti, meat sauce pasta, easy dinner