One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Hearty and comforting one-pot spaghetti simmered in a rich meat sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual family meals with minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free
- 1 lb ground beef can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing onion and garlic
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until onion is soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Add ground beef to the pot and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add dry spaghetti directly to the pot, ensuring noodles are submerged in the sauce and broth mixture. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check for al dente doneness.
- Step 5: Remove pot from heat and let sit with lid off for a few minutes to thicken the sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve hot.
Notes
This recipe is flexible: swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based meats. Add veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for bulk. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat or red wine for depth. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.