I’ve been making one pot spaghetti with meat sauce for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to please my family. The dish is a classic Italian-American staple that’s been around for decades, but its origins are unclear.
Some say it’s a variation of the traditional Italian dish ‘spaghetti alla carbonara,’ while others claim it’s an American invention. Regardless of its true roots, I can attest to the fact that this one pot spaghetti with meat sauce is a crowd-pleaser.
The combination of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is a match made in heaven. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make.
Simply brown some ground beef in a large pot, add in some onions and garlic, and then cook your spaghetti right in the same pot. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to fuss with separate pots and pans.
And let’s not forget about the flavor – the meat sauce is packed with so much depth and richness that you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. My kids love helping me cook this dish because it’s so hands-on and interactive.
They get to watch as the spaghetti cooks and the sauce simmers, and they always seem to enjoy the process almost as much as the finished product. And when we’re all sitting down to eat together, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a warm, comforting meal on a chilly evening.
One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
4.8 from 939 votes
This one pot spaghetti with meat sauce is a complete meal cooked in a single pot, minimizing cleanup. The pasta cooks directly in the rich tomato and meat sauce, absorbing all the flavors for a deeply satisfying dish.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
👨🍳Directions
1Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Add the diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste.
6Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
7Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat.
8Add the broken spaghetti to the pot, pressing it down gently to submerge it in the liquid.
9Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
10The sauce should be thick and cling to the pasta.
11Remove the pot from the heat.
12Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
13Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
14Let the pasta rest for 2 minutes before serving.
15Serve the spaghetti in bowls, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
For a leaner dish, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If the sauce seems too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of water or broth. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Watch Video Of How One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Works
This one pot spaghetti with meat sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.
It’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe, but I find that spaghetti works best because it holds onto the sauce so well. If you prefer another shape of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, go ahead and use that instead!
Can I make this recipe without ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other types of protein like ground turkey or pork. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long does this recipe take to make?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook from start to finish.
What if I don’t have any tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can omit it or substitute it with an equal amount of ketchup or crushed tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by cooking the spaghetti and sauce separately and then combining them later.
These low carb peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Made with almond flour and a sugar substitute, they are perfect…
This bone beef broth is a rich and nourishing base for soups and stews. Made by simmering beef bones with vegetables and aromatics for hours, it develops a deep…
This easy cornbread dressing is a classic Southern side dish that is moist, savory, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like cornbread, onion…
Russian Beetroot Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring boiled beetroots, mixed with carrots, onions, and a tangy dressing. This salad is a great addi…
