Looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes? This One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is about to become your new favorite recipe. I’ve perfected this method to create a rich, flavorful pasta dish where every strand of spaghetti is infused with a savory meat sauce – and yes, it all comes together in just one pot!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Recipe Notes
- Don’t skip stirring occasionally – it prevents the pasta from sticking together and ensures even cooking.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of hot water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so serve it promptly for the best texture.
- For a richer flavor, substitute one cup of the beef broth with red wine.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and whole wheat pasta instead of regular spaghetti.
This One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to deal with multiple pots and pans. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors while releasing its starches to create a naturally thick and creamy sauce. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A delicious weeknight dinner that won't leave you with a sink full of dishes. This One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce creates a rich, flavorful pasta dish where every strand of spaghetti is infused with a savory meat sauce – and yes, it all comes together in just one pot!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 80/20
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, making sure it's fully submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken.
