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One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce recipe that delivers rich, comforting flavor with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups (475ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 tsp)
  • Black pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Break spaghetti in half and submerge in the sauce without stirring. Let rest for 1-2 minutes to start absorbing liquid.
  9. Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring gently every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Pasta should be al dente and sauce thickened.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce is too thick.
  11. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
  12. Serve hot topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking. Non-stick pans ease cleanup, stainless steel pans give better meat sear. If no lid, use a baking sheet to trap steam. Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta. Adjust broth amount if pasta sticks or sauce is too thick. Leftovers store well in fridge up to 3 days or freezer up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added broth or water.

Nutrition

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