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Comforting One-Pot Spaghetti Recipe for Perfect Meat Sauce

one-pot spaghetti - featured image

This one-pot spaghetti recipe is a quick, easy, and comforting meal that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce—all in one pot for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 4 cups water or broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Break 12 ounces of spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of water or broth, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan before serving hot.

Notes

[‘Use good-quality crushed tomatoes and fresh garlic for better flavor.’, ‘Stir the pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking.’, ‘Add more water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.’, ‘Grate your own Parmesan for better texture and flavor.’, ‘Let the sauce rest for a minute or two before serving to thicken slightly.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot spaghetti, meat sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, Italian recipe, quick meal, family-friendly, budget-friendly