Weeknight comfort food without the mountain of dishes.
There are nights when the thought of juggling three pots, a colander, and endless dirty dishes is just too much. That’s where this One-Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef comes in to save the day.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes—all in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta without the cleanup headache.
This recipe is proof that simple really can be delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- One pot = fewer dishes 🙌
- Classic flavors everyone loves
- Budget-friendly ingredients you already have in your pantry
- Flexible—swap the beef for turkey or add extra veggies if you like
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) whole plum tomatoes
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 cups water or beef stock
- 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- Freshly grated parmesan or mozzarella, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Add onions & garlic
Stir in chopped onion (and garlic if using). Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. - Break up the tomatoes
Pour in the plum tomatoes with their juice. Use a spoon to gently break them apart into smaller chunks. - Season the sauce
Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. - Add liquid & pasta
Pour in the water or stock. Bring to a simmer, then add the spaghetti. Press pasta down so it’s fully submerged. - Simmer & cook pasta
Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens (about 12–15 minutes). - Serve & enjoy
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle generously with cheese, and serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Want more veggies? Toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms when you add the onions.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—just add a splash of water when reheating.
Why One-Pot Meals Work
Cooking pasta directly in the sauce infuses every bite with rich flavor. Plus, all that starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce naturally. It’s a win-win: better taste, fewer dishes.
So the next time spaghetti night rolls around, skip the strainers and extra pans. Just grab one pot, a few simple ingredients, and let dinner take care of itself.
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