Description
This Easy One Pot Spaghetti recipe is a hassle-free, flavorful Italian-American dinner that combines ground beef or sausage, aromatic vegetables, and spaghetti all cooked together in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a rich marinara sauce infused with Italian seasonings and a creamy finish of Parmesan cheese, making it a wholesome, family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water or beef broth
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Cook the Meat: Stir in the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season and Add Pasta: Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Add the dry spaghetti (breaking it in half if necessary to fit) along with the marinara sauce and water or beef broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Spaghetti: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture. Let the pasta rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for an added burst of flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms along with the onion for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- For gluten-free pasta, substitute the spaghetti with a gluten-free variety and adjust cooking times accordingly.
