One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

There’s something so soul-satisfying about a bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce, especially when it comes together in just one pot. Fewer dishes, less fuss, and maximum flavor—what more could we ask for? This One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is everything a weeknight dinner should be: comforting, hearty, budget-friendly, and unbelievably easy.

And before we dive into the savory goodness, thank you so much for being here. It truly means the world that you’re sharing your cooking journey with me. Want more one-pot wonders delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe below so you never miss a bite!

What Is One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce?

This dish combines classic spaghetti Bolognese with the ease of a one-pot dinner. Instead of boiling the pasta separately, everything—including the meat sauce and dry spaghetti—cooks together in one pan. The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce, and the noodles absorb all that rich, savory flavor.

It’s comfort food meets smart cooking, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever made spaghetti the old way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Everything cooks in one pot (yes, even the pasta!)
• Done in under 40 minutes
• Minimal cleanup = more time to relax
• Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters
• Delicious leftovers (if you have any!)

What Does It Taste Like?

This One-Pot Spaghetti tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. The beefy tomato sauce is thick and flavorful, infused with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. The spaghetti cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every drop of flavor and creating the perfect bite every time. It’s rich, savory, comforting, and oh-so satisfying.

Benefits of Making One-Pot Spaghetti

• Saves time and dishes
• Easy to scale up for a crowd
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Uses pantry and fridge staples
• Totally customizable with add-ins

Ingredients for One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups beef or chicken broth
• 12 oz dry spaghetti (break in half if needed)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or deep sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or a plant-based option
• Add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach
• Use gluten-free spaghetti if needed
• Want it cheesy? Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese at the end
• Add a splash of red wine for a richer sauce

How to Make One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Cook the meat: Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add seasoning and sauce: Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Add marinara sauce and broth. Stir to combine.
4. Add spaghetti: Break the dry spaghetti in half and stir into the sauce. Make sure it’s submerged as much as possible.
5. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in Parmesan if using, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

What to Serve with One-Pot Spaghetti

This dish is a meal in itself, but you can round it out with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Simple Caesar salad or a tossed green salad
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus
• A glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully)

Tips for the Best One-Pot Spaghetti

• Stir a few times while the pasta cooks to avoid clumping.
• Adjust liquid if needed—add a splash of broth if sauce gets too thick.
• Let the finished dish rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• For a deeper flavor, cook the tomato paste for 1–2 minutes before adding the liquids.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
• Freezer: Not ideal for spaghetti (can become mushy), but you can freeze the meat sauce separately!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or linguine also work—just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the pasta.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Totally. Skip the meat and add mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Is it spicy?

Only slightly, from the red pepper flakes. Leave them out if you prefer a milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is everything you want in a cozy dinner: quick, comforting, and packed with flavor—all without a pile of dishes to wash. It’s a keeper for busy nights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a comforting bowl of pasta fast.

Print