Print

Easy One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

easy one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce recipe perfect for busy weeknights, combining ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce all cooked together for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • 4 cups beef broth or water
  • 12 oz dried spaghetti, broken in half
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if desired.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  7. Add the dried spaghetti by breaking it in half so it fits in the pot. Submerge the pasta in the sauce and broth mixture. Do not stir yet.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with the lid slightly ajar.
  9. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and checking pasta doneness. Add more broth or water if liquid evaporates too fast.
  10. Once the spaghetti is cooked and the sauce thickened, give it a final stir and adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
  12. Serve hot, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Avoid stirring pasta immediately after adding to prevent breaking noodles. If sauce is watery after cooking, cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes to thicken. Brown meat thoroughly for best flavor. Use crushed tomatoes for thicker sauce. Adjust liquid as needed during cooking to prevent drying out. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot spaghetti, meat sauce, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, ground beef spaghetti, simple spaghetti sauce

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/easy-one-pot-spaghetti-with-meat-sauce-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/