This easy one-pot spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy days! With a tasty meat sauce that brings it all together, dinner is a breeze. It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is a cinch!
I love how everything cooks together, making the pasta perfectly saucy. Plus, you can toss in your favorite veggies to sneak some extra goodness in there. Who doesn’t love that? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, adding rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or ground chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. You could substitute with shallots or leeks, or even use powdered onion in a pinch, but fresh onion gives the best flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for a flavorful sauce. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but fresh is always better in terms of taste.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes give the sauce a juicy base. You can swap them for crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother texture. For a bit of kick, fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a nice smoky flavor.
Spaghetti: The classic choice, but you can experiment with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may behave differently.
How Do You Get the Perfect Meat Sauce?
The secret to a delicious meat sauce lies in the cooking technique. Start by browning the ground beef thoroughly. This step enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction, giving your sauce a rich base. Here’s how:
- Heat your oil and add the beef without overcrowding the pan.
- Let it brown without stirring too often—this helps develop flavor.
- After adding the onions and garlic, cook them just until soft to keep their sweetness.
- When adding the tomatoes and broth, don’t skip bringing it to a boil before adding the pasta.
- Simmer uncovered; this lets the flavors concentrate while the spaghetti cooks.
Remember to taste as you go! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to get it just right.
Easy One Pot Spaghetti with Delicious Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz/170g) tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have a wholesome dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, don’t forget to drain it!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Now, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Stir everything well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. This will give your sauce a wonderful flavor!
3. Add the Tomatoes and Herbs:
Time to add in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and if you like a bit of heat, toss in the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until well combined.
4. Bring to a Boil:
Pour in the beef broth and turn up the heat a bit to bring everything to a gentle boil. This will make your sauce rich and flavorful!
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
Add the spaghetti to the pot, breaking the strands in half if needed. Make sure to stir the spaghetti well to submerge it in the liquid. This is where the one-pot magic happens!
6. Simmer and Stir:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the spaghetti to cook and absorb all that delicious sauce. If it gets too thick, just add a bit more broth or water as needed.
7. Final Taste Check:
After about 20 minutes, check the pasta for doneness and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it tastes good, you’re ready to serve!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious, hearty spaghetti hot. Top it with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for that extra touch. Enjoy your comforting one-pot spaghetti dinner!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy One Pot Spaghetti with Delicious Meat Sauce
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a healthier alternative and works perfectly in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may produce slightly less fat, so you might want to add a bit more olive oil or broth for richness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils. You’ll also want to ensure that your broth is vegetable-based. The recipe will still be delicious and satisfying!
What If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
If you find that the sauce is getting too thick while cooking, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Stir well and continue cooking until the pasta is done. Adjust the seasoning afterward if needed!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce, or microwave it until heated through.
