This One-Pot Spaghetti has all the rich flavors of traditional spaghetti with meat sauce, but it’s made in just one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is hearty, creamy, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Let’s make dinner simple and delicious!

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Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love Making It

• Minimal Cleanup: Who loves doing dishes? With this recipe, you only need one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is comforting, hearty, and packed with flavors that both kids and adults love.
• Beginner-Friendly: If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, with easy-to-follow steps.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add your own twist, like extra veggies, different proteins, or even a little spice.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein. For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup): Gives the dish a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Dice the onion finely for even cooking.
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is best for that aromatic touch, but jarred garlic works in a pinch.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds a savory depth to the sauce. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
• ½ cup (119g) heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter alternative, use half-and-half or whole milk.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano & 2 teaspoons dried basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring out the signature spaghetti flavors.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a mild kick for those who love a touch of spice.
• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles: Traditional spaghetti works perfectly here, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Grated parmesan (for garnish): Adds a salty, cheesy finish. Freshly grated parmesan is best!

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef and Onion
   In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, heat over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease carefully, using a spoon or paper towels.
2. Add Garlic
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn as it can turn bitter.
3. Prepare the Sauce
   Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Bring to a Boil
   Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add the Pasta
   Reduce the heat to a simmer. Place the spaghetti noodles in the pot, layering them in a crisscross pattern to avoid clumping. Breaking the noodles in half can help them fit better. Press the noodles gently into the liquid with a spoon until they are submerged.
6. Simmer and Stir
   Cover the pot with a lid and let the spaghetti simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom or clump together. Each time you stir, make sure the lid goes back on to maintain the heat and moisture.
7. Check for Doneness
   After 15 minutes, taste the pasta to see if it’s al dente (tender with a slight bite). If the noodles need more time, continue cooking and stirring in 2-minute intervals.
8. Serve and Garnish
   Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the pot from heat. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or linguine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may take a little longer or shorter to cook.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version!