Make this One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce recipe all in one pot or Dutch oven for a super easy dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes! Easy clean-up too!
One pot pasta recipes are perfect for busy days because they're quick, easy, kid friendly, and you only have one pan to wash. You cook the spaghetti in the sauce, not boiling water. Once you see how easy it is to cook spaghetti in tomato sauce, you'll never want to cook it any other way!
I came up with this one pot spaghetti recipe after a few of you wrote in asking for a stove top version of my Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce. You cook the spaghetti in the sauce, not boiling water.
Spaghetti snobs ( I used to be one) may disagree, but believe me, this saves you a few steps, and it works! And sometimes, we just need easy. All you need for this easy spaghetti dinner is a large pot or Dutch oven -- and a stove!
This spaghetti recipe calls for 16 ounces of spaghetti -- a regular package, as opposed to 8 ounces. It makes a lot of pasta, but it's perfect for leftovers, and it freezes well for later -- easy meal prep!
How to Cook Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
First, you cook the onions until they're slightly soft, and then, you brown your ground beef. There's no need to cook it all the way because it will finish cooking with the pasta.
If there's a lot of grease, you can drain it. I use lean ground beef, so I usually skip this step. Next, season the meat, and you're ready for the pasta.
You'll need to break the uncooked spaghetti in half so that it cooks evenly and doesn't clump together. Then, add your spaghetti to the pot, and pour in spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes and water.
If you want even more flavor for your spaghetti, you can use beef broth or chicken broth instead of water. Or, you can add a little red wine to really take this spaghetti dinner to the next level!
You do need to keep an eye on the pasta and stir frequently so that the spaghetti doesn't clump together or stick to the bottom of the pot. As soon as the pasta is cooked al dente or to your liking, you're done!
I like to sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top before serving. Doesn't this look gorgeous?!
I use kitchen tongs to lift the spaghetti out of the pot directly to people's plates. Honestly, you guys, this one pot spaghetti is a lifesaver on busy days!
My kids absolutely love spaghetti with meat sauce, and it works so well for feeding them before they head off to football or soccer or dance. Like I said, the leftovers are heat up well, and you can freeze for later.
More Easy One Pot Pasta Recipes
One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe
One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 1 16-ounce package spaghetti uncooked and broken in half
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy bottom bot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add the onion, and cook until slightly soft
- Add the ground beef, and cook until no longer pink. Drain beef if necessary, then add Italian seasoning blend, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), and stir
- Add the spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes and water, and stir well, pushing the noodles under the liquid and separating them so they don't stick
- Cover, and bring to low boil over medium high heat, then remove cover, and stir frequently to make sure pasta doesn't stick and noodles aren't clumping together. Reduce heat to medium, if necessary
- When pasta is al dente or done to your liking, remove from heat, add some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Heather says
Have made this several times. Easy & delicious! My family and I enjoy this on a busy weeknight and as our weekend comfy comfort food.
Dee says
I'm so glad you like the spaghetti, Heather! Thank you!
Jmes says
Made this last night. Another winner. Simple too. Kids already ordered again for next week!
Dee says
I'm so happy to hear this! Thanks so much!
Catalina says
Yum! This spaghetti looks amazingly delicious! A must try!
Dee says
Thanks, Catalina. My family just loves it!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
I LOVE how easy and delicious this is!! Perfect for weeknights!
Dee says
It fits with our busy schedule -- Thank you so much!
Taylor says
One of my go-to weeknight dinners! So easy and delicious!
Dee says
I'm glad you like the recipe -- Thanks so much!
Lora says
An easy and convenient way to have a homemade pasta dish ready in no time!!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This is a great recipe! I have to put this One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce recipe on my menu!
Dee says
Thanks, Erin. I hope you enjoy it!
Amanda says
This looks amazing I cannot wait to try it !!!
Dee says
Thanks so much, Amanda! Hope you like it!
Sara Welch says
Such a delicious and hearty meal! Easily, this has become a new family favorite!
Dee says
So glad to hear this, Sara. Thanks!