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One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Classic spaghetti with meat sauce, cooked entirely in one pot for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly weeknight dinner. Easy cleanup, rich taste, and perfect pasta texture every time!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (24 oz) jar 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

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  2. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes for deeper flavor.
  4. Add marinara sauce and broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Break spaghetti in half and stir into the sauce. Ensure it’s mostly submerged.
  6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Once pasta is tender and sauce thickened, stir in Parmesan if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed—just monitor cook time.
  • Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
  • For added richness, stir in a bit of cream or cream cheese at the end.
  • Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 660mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: one pot spaghetti, weeknight pasta, meat sauce, family dinner