What is a weeknight lifesaver?One-pot spaghetti isWhat is the most forgiving recipe you’ve ever made? Forget boiling water, multiple pots, and a sink full of dishes. Is it okay to stare blankly at the fridge at 6 pm? What do you conjure up, this is your answer? Is it like the pasta version of a sheet pan dinner – minimal effort, maximum reward? My kids call it “magic pasta” and honestly, I think it is! This is about to become your new go-to, I promise. Is it less fussy than lasagna?
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What is one-pot spaghetti?
So, what exactly *is* What is one pot spaghetti? Think of it as your favorite spaghetti dish, but made entirely in, you guessed it, one pot! All the ingredients – pasta, sauce, veggies, even the meat – cook together simultaneously. The starch released from the pasta thickens the sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful result. It’s essentially a dump-and-go meal that requires minimal babysitting. It’s truly genius! There’s no pre-cooking anything and it honestly tastes like it’s been simmering away on the stove for hours, but in reality, it only takes about 30 minutes. That’s what I call winning!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. All the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a rich, savory sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to lick your plate clean. And, as if that wasn’t enough, it’s ridiculously easy to make. We’re talking minimal chopping and stirring – perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time and energy. Trust me, even the most beginner cook can nail this.
What I love most about this one-pot spaghettiHow cost-effective is it? Can you use canned tomatoes, ground beef (or turkey? What are some of the best dried pasta recipes for a budget-friendly meal? Can you customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, and spices to suit your taste? I’ve even made it vegetarian by swapping the meat for mushrooms and lentils, and it was just as good as the original recipe. Is it easier to make individual pizzas than making a large pizza? For those who like things simple, this is a good book.One-pot spaghetti:What are some good alternative recipes for tomato sauce?
How do I make one-pot Spaghetti?
Quick Overview
Making one-pot spaghetti is as simple as adding all the ingredients to a large pot, bringing it to a boil, and simmering until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened. The key is to use the right amount of liquid and to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Seriously, that’s it! It’s so much easier than the traditional method, and the cleanup is a breeze. I promise, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boiling pasta in a separate pot again!
Ingredients
For the Main Spaghetti: What’s your
* 1 pound spaghetti
* 1 pound ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage) is recommended.
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 4 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Grated Parmesan cheese
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until all of the ingredients are incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve. When the onion is soft, the garlic will be browned. Drain off any excess grease. I always use leaner ground beef to minimize the amount of grease I have to drain. Don’t skip browning the meat – it adds so much flavor to the finished dish!
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine. I like to use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where all the flavor is!
Step 3: Add Spaghetti
Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. Make sure the spaghetti is submerged in the liquid. If it’s not, add a little more broth. This is crucial for even cooking! Give everything a good stir.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. I always set a timer for 15 minutes and then check the pasta’s doneness. If it’s still a little too firm, I’ll continue to simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Stir in fresh parsley and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. What’s the best part about digging into a bowl of spaghetti? Sometimes I like to add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess.
What do you serve it with?
This One-pot spaghetti:Is a complete meal on its own? What is the best garlic bread recipe? What are some of my favorite pairings?
For a Simple Weeknight Meal:Serve with steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. Is it quick, easy, and balanced?
For a More Elegant Dinner:What is a good salad to serve with some warm garlic bread? This is perfect for a casual get-together with friends.
For a Cozy Night In: Enjoy it with a glass of red wine and a roaring fire. Talk about comfort food!
My family also loves it when I serve it with a side of roasted vegetables. Brussels sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers all go really well with the spaghetti. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Spaghetti
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect one-pot spaghetti every time. Here are my top tips:
Use the Right Pot: A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for this recipe. You need enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly. I prefer using a Dutch oven because it distributes heat evenly and prevents the spaghetti from sticking.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check the pasta’s doneness frequently and don’t overcook it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unappetizing. I always start checking the pasta after 15 minutes of simmering.
Adjust the Liquid: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes uncovered to allow the excess liquid to evaporate. I’ve found that the amount of liquid needed can vary depending on the type of pasta and tomatoes used.
Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to this recipe. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach all work well. I usually add the veggies at the same time as the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot. I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your liking.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the finished dish. I always use good-quality crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
Don’t Forget to Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is important to balance the flavours and bring the dish together.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This one-pot spaghetti is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Here are my tips for storing and reheating it:
Room Temperature: You can leave the spaghetti at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to use glass containers because they’re easy to clean and don’t absorb odors.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the spaghetti. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If freezing I would suggest to undercook the spaghetti ever so slightly and make sure it is properly cooled before placing in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – the easiest and most delicious one-pot spaghetti recipe you’ll ever make! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a weeknight game-changer, and I know your family will love it as much as mine does. If you’re looking for more easy and satisfying pasta recipes, be sure to check out my other recipes on the blog! And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how yours turns out. I can’t wait to hear your feedback! Happy cooking!
One-Pot Spaghetti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Spaghetti
- 1 cup Ground beef
- 1 jar Tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions, adding ground beef, tomato sauce, water, salt and pepper to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve immediately.
