This one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce is a game-changer for busy weeknights. A savory, rich meat sauce simmers with tender spaghetti all in one pot, making it easy and convenient with minimal cleanup. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
The combination of beefy marinara, aromatic garlic, and a hint of Italian herbs gives this dish its deep, hearty flavor. The spaghetti absorbs the rich sauce, creating a beautifully balanced texture and taste. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or simply craving a classic pasta dish, this one-pot spaghetti is sure to become a household favorite.
Full Reci[pe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and water, stirring well.
- Add the uncooked spaghetti to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the sauce. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cooking Tips:
- Meat Options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version. You can also make a vegetarian version by swapping the meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative or by adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Pasta Texture: If you prefer your pasta al dente, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. Also, keep an eye on the liquid level—if the sauce gets too thick while the pasta is still firm, add a splash of water or broth.
- Enhancing Flavor: For deeper flavor, consider browning the ground beef well before adding the onions and garlic. A splash of red wine after browning the meat can also add richness to the sauce.
- Adding Vegetables: To make this dish more nutritious, you can throw in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots. These will cook alongside the spaghetti and blend into the sauce, adding vitamins and fiber without extra steps.
Storage and Reheating:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as it tends to thicken after being stored.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. After cooling, place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Customizations:
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in some grated mozzarella or cheddar at the end of cooking for a cheesy version of the dish.
- Herb Variations: While Italian seasoning is a classic, you can experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Fresh herbs can also be added as a garnish.
- Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the sauce. This adds a pleasant kick to the dish without overpowering the flavors.
Nutritional Boosts:
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: For a healthier spin, use whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free variety made from chickpeas or lentils. This not only increases fiber but also makes the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add Protein: To make the dish more protein-packed, consider stirring in cooked lentils or beans for an extra boost, especially if you’re making a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this spaghetti with a simple green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete, balanced meal.
- A glass of Chianti or another light red wine complements the rich flavors of the tomato sauce beautifully.
More Information:
- How to Make it Creamier: For a creamier version of this One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese right before serving. This will give the sauce a luxurious, velvety texture. Alternatively, you can melt in some cream cheese for an ultra-creamy consistency that complements the rich meat sauce.
- Flavor Enhancers:
- Bay Leaf: Adding a bay leaf while the sauce simmers can subtly enhance the flavor, adding a mild, earthy depth to the dish. Just be sure to remove it before serving.
- Parmesan Rind: If you have a Parmesan rind on hand, toss it into the sauce as it cooks. It will melt and infuse the dish with a savory, umami boost.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A dash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking will add a slight sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enriching the overall flavor profile.
- Making it Kid-Friendly: This One-Pot Spaghetti is already family-friendly, but for picky eaters, you can puree vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even cauliflower into the sauce. This way, you’re sneaking in extra nutrition without them even noticing! Another kid-friendly twist is to top the spaghetti with a little shredded mozzarella or cheddar to create a gooey, cheesy finish that kids will love.
- For a Crowd: If you’re feeding a larger group, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure you have a large enough pot, as the spaghetti needs space to cook evenly. When doubling the recipe, add an extra ½ cup of water or broth to ensure the pasta cooks fully in the sauce.
- Low-Carb Variation: For a lower-carb or keto-friendly option, try using spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or spaghetti squash in place of traditional pasta. You can cook the meat sauce in one pot, then pour it over the cooked vegetable noodles. This keeps the dish hearty and flavorful but cuts back on the carbs.
Meal Pairing Ideas:
- Appetizers: Serve with a simple bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, to start the meal off with a light, fresh bite.
- Sides: A garlic-roasted veggie medley (like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers) complements the pasta beautifully, balancing the richness of the meat sauce.
- Dessert: For a complete Italian-inspired meal, finish with a light dessert like tiramisu or a scoop of gelato.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta variety, ensuring the meal is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the optional Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also substitute the creaminess of cheese by adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Vegetarian: You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils, crumbled tofu, or a meatless ground product. Keep the rest of the recipe intact for a delicious vegetarian meal.
Conclusion:
The One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is the perfect go-to recipe for busy nights or when you want a comforting, homemade meal without a lot of cleanup. Its rich flavors, tender pasta, and hearty meat sauce make it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize based on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables, change up the meat, or make it gluten-free, this dish adapts well to various modifications.
With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a satisfying, balanced meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the one-pot cooking method means you’ll spend less time cleaning up, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.