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One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
This One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal that can be whipped up in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. With the convenience of cooking the pasta directly in the sauce, this recipe reduces the number of dishes while still delivering an incredible homemade taste. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dish that’s sure to satisfy!
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 24 oz jar marinara or tomato sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth or water
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz uncooked spaghetti
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Brown the Meat
- Heat the Pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it out.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Create the Sauce
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the pot with the beef mixture, stirring to combine.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Add Broth: Add 4 cups of beef broth or water to the pot, stirring to combine. The liquid will help cook the spaghetti later.
Cook the Spaghetti
- Add Spaghetti: Break the uncooked spaghetti in half and add it directly into the sauce. Stir well to make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Add Cheese and Finish
- Add Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will add richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if necessary.
Serve
- Serve Hot: Ladle the spaghetti and meat sauce into bowls.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Spaghetti
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the spaghetti as it simmers. Stir frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking together or overcooking.
- Use High-Quality Tomato Sauce: The flavor of the sauce is key to this dish, so use a high-quality marinara sauce or even homemade if you have time.
- Customize the Protein: Ground beef is classic, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative to make the dish lighter or vegetarian.
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can stir in some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when you add the sauce.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 6g