One-Pot Spaghetti
A hearty, flavorful one-pot spaghetti dish featuring ground beef, rich tomato sauces, and tender pasta, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef into a Dutch oven.
- Cook and stir over medium-high heat about 10 minutes or until browned.
- Pour into a strainer to drain off any fat.
- Put beef back into the Dutch oven. Wash and chop the onion and stir into the ground beef.
- Add tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, salt, water, and spaghetti.
- Heat about 15 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, sauté garlic with the onions before adding them to the beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use a meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the salt based on your spaghetti sauce, as some brands can be quite salty. Consider adding Italian herbs for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this one-pot spaghetti with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For added richness, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, and stir until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One-Pot Spaghetti contains roughly 579 calories, with 21g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2623mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use various types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, ensuring it’s cooked until al dente. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the thickness and shape of the pasta.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
You can incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Add them after the onions are softened to ensure they cook properly. This will not only enhance the nutritional value but also add flavor and texture to your dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in crushed red pepper flakes with the tomato sauce. You could also use a spicy spaghetti sauce or add diced jalapeños to the onion mix. Adjust the spiciness to your preference, tasting as you go.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).