Print

Easy One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti noodles, broken in half
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pan, break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned evenly, about 7-8 minutes. Ensure no pink remains.
  5. Drain excess fat if the beef is very fatty.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  7. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine.
  8. Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
  9. Add the broken spaghetti noodles, pressing them gently into the sauce so they are mostly submerged.
  10. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  11. Check the pasta around 12 minutes; if tender and sauce thickened, it’s done. If not, cook a few minutes longer, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
  12. Remove from heat and let sit uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  13. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and optional fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Use a good-quality canned crushed tomato like San Marzano for best flavor. For a lighter twist, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti noodles. If beef broth is unavailable, water can be used with extra seasoning. Stir frequently during cooking to prevent noodles from sticking. Letting the dish rest off heat thickens the sauce nicely.

Nutrition

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