Hey y'all! If you're craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in a flash, this One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner is sure to be your new favorite weeknight hero. It’s a cozy classic loaded with tender spaghetti, juicy ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce—all cooked together for extra flavor and super easy clean-up. Whether you need a fuss-free meal for busy nights or something tasty for a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
- Everything cooks in one pot, making prep and clean-up a breeze.
- Perfectly seasoned, saucy, and satisfying for both kids and adults.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Super versatile—add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients easily.
- Leftovers taste amazing, so it’s great for meal prep!
Ingredients for One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 12 ounces (340g) dry spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Liquids
Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Add the broken spaghetti, salt, and black pepper. Gently press the pasta into the liquid, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and let the dish rest uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Tips for the Perfect One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
- If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- For the best results, use high-quality marinara sauce—check out this guide to homemade marinara for inspiration.
- You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
Variations on One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
- Cheesy One Pot Spaghetti: Stir in a cup of shredded mozzarella before serving for extra gooeyness.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when sautéing the onions.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a fiery flavor boost.
Required Equipment for One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
- Large Dutch oven or deep skillet (at least 5-quart capacity)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
- Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-American spread.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a wholesome, balanced meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing finish.
Pro Tips for One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
- Always stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking—learn more about perfect pasta techniques.
- Let the dish rest for a couple minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the freshest, most flavorful finish—see why freshly grated cheese matters!
Frequently Asked Questions about One Pot Spaghetti and Ground Beef Dinner
- Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, just be sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower than regular spaghetti.
- Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
- Absolutely! Use a very large pot and keep an eye on the liquid, adding more broth if needed to ensure all the pasta cooks evenly.
- What can I use instead of ground beef?
- Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage make great substitutes—just adjust the seasonings to taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz/796 ml) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
-
2Add ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
-
3Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
-
4Add uncooked spaghetti to the pot, breaking noodles in half if needed. Submerge the pasta in the liquid. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
-
5Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!