One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce on a plate

Pasta · Easy

One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce cooks the pasta right in the sauce, saving a pot to wash and infusing every strand with rich, savory flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes.

10Prep min
20Cook min
30Total min
  • 1 lbground beef
  • 1/2 cupyellow onion, diced
  • 3 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz)crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cupsbeef or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoonItalian seasoning
  • 12 ozspaghetti, broken in half
  • 1/2 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • to tastesalt and black pepper
  • optionalfresh basil, for garnish
  1. 1In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat, until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. 2Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. 3Add the crushed tomatoes and broth, and bring to a boil.
  4. 4Stir in the broken spaghetti, pushing it down into the liquid, and reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. 5Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
  6. 6Stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with basil before serving.

Make it yours

  • Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
  • Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
  • Top with mozzarella and broil briefly for a cheesy finish.

Good with

  • Garlic bread
  • A simple Caesar salad
  • Extra Parmesan

Good questions, answered.

Why does the pasta need to be broken in half?

Breaking the spaghetti helps it fit in the pot and cook evenly submerged in the sauce.

Can I make this ahead?

It's best fresh since the pasta continues to absorb liquid, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.