When it comes to weeknight dinners, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of pasta. One Pot Spaghetti takes the traditional, time-consuming task of cooking spaghetti and turns it into a straightforward, one-pot meal that’s both delicious and efficient. Imagine the alluring aroma of slowly simmering tomatoes and savory spices enveloping your kitchen as you prepare this delightful dish. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, One Pot Spaghetti becomes an instant family favorite. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or anyone in between, this recipe is here to simplify your dinner routine.
Why We Love This One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
There are countless reasons why One Pot Spaghetti warms our hearts and fills our bellies. Firstly, the simplicity of cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes and an easier cleanup process. Imagine sitting down to enjoy a cozy family dinner without the stress of a mountain of dishes waiting for you afterward.
Moreover, the dish is incredibly flavorful, packing in savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and the sweet tang of tomatoes all simmered together for a rich taste. Each bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).
Finally, this recipe allows for creativity. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. Whether you want to swap out the ground beef for turkey, add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or even toss in some cheese on top at the end, this dish encourages you to make it your own.
Ingredients for One Pot Spaghetti
To whip up this satisfying One Pot Spaghetti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 pound spaghetti, uncooked
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional but recommended!)
How to Make One Pot Spaghetti Directions
Making One Pot Spaghetti is as simple as it gets. Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish from start to finish:
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Start by adding your ground beef and diced onion to a large pot over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Toss In Additional Flavor: Once the beef is cooked, add the diced bell pepper, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper to the pot. Continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the garlic to become fragrant. Afterward, transfer the mixture to a separate plate, draining any excess grease.
- Prepare the Broth: In the same pot, pour in the chicken or beef broth. Use a silicone spatula to scrape any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot; these bits add flavor to your dish. Bring the broth to a rolling boil.
- Add the Spaghetti: Once boiling, slowly add the uncooked spaghetti to the broth. Using kitchen tongs, gently twist the noodles into the pot, letting them soften slightly.
- Incorporate the Tomatoes: After a few minutes, when the spaghetti has softened, mix in the undrained diced tomatoes.
- Mix in the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and add softened cream cheese if you’re using it. Ensure the pasta is submerged under the sauce as you mix everything together.
- Simmer and Cook: Partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. The pasta should cook through in about 15 to 20 minutes. Check occasionally and stir gently with a silicone spatula to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Combine and Serve: Once the pasta is tender, return the cooked beef and vegetables back to the pot. Stir until everything is heated through and well combined.
How to Serve One Pot Spaghetti
The best way to serve One Pot Spaghetti is family-style right from the pot. Use a large serving spoon to dish out generous portions onto your plates. The colorful medley of spaghetti, vegetables, and beef is as inviting visually as it is delicious. For an added touch, serve your One Pot Spaghetti alongside warm garlic bread topped with cheese for dipping. A simple side salad can also enhance the meal, providing a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the spaghetti.
If you want to elevate your presentation, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. Both add a lovely pop of color and a sprinkle of extra flavor, making your dish look even more mouthwatering!
Expert Tips for One Pot Spaghetti
To ensure your One Pot Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Choose the Right Ground Meat: Opt for ground beef that is not too lean; 85% lean works well as it provides enough fat to keep the dish moist.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: Allow the beef to brown properly for optimal flavor. Rushing this step can leave your meat undercooked or lacking in richness.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Don’t be shy when it comes to seasoning! Taste your sauce before serving and adjust with more salt, pepper, or Italian herbs as necessary to elevate the flavor.
- Use Quality Broth: The broth you choose significantly affects the overall taste of the spaghetti. Homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought option will yield the best results.
- Keep an Eye on the Pasta: Stir it occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking, and check for doneness to ensure that it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
How to Store One Pot Spaghetti
Storing any leftover One Pot Spaghetti is easy. First, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
If you find yourself with a larger batch or want to enjoy it later, One Pot Spaghetti can also be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Variations of One Pot Spaghetti
One of the best aspects of One Pot Spaghetti is its ability to adapt to your preferences and available ingredients. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat. You can also load it up with more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to make it hearty and satisfying.
- Cheesy One Pot Spaghetti: Add a cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until melted and bubbling for an ooey-gooey delight that cheeseball lovers will adore!
- Spicy Twist: If you like a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your meat and vegetable mixture. This will give your One Pot Spaghetti a spicy flair!
- Creamy One Pot Spaghetti: For a rich and creamy version, reduce the marinara sauce’s amount slightly and add an extra dollop of cream cheese or even heavy cream for an indulgent finish.
- One Pot Spaghetti with Sausage: Instead of ground beef, try using Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. It will infuse your dish with aromatic spices, creating a whole new take on this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Spaghetti
Can I make One Pot Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your One Pot Spaghetti in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
What is the best way to ensure my spaghetti doesn’t stick together?
Stirring occasionally during cooking is the best way to prevent your pasta from clumping. Additionally, be sure to use enough broth for the noodles to move around freely while absorbing the flavors.
Can I use whole-wheat spaghetti instead?
Yes, you can use whole-wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it as it simmers.
What can I serve with One Pot Spaghetti?
Aside from garlic bread or a side salad, you could also enjoy it with roasted vegetables or even some simple steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Is One Pot Spaghetti kid-friendly?
Definitely! Its comforting flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit among kids and picky eaters, making it perfect for family dinners.
One Pot Spaghetti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2.5 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- 0.5 pound spaghetti, uncooked
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional but recommended)
Instructions
Cooking the Beef and Vegetables
- Add your ground beef and diced onion to a large pot over medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks and stir occasionally until the beef is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the diced bell pepper, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Transfer the mixture to a separate plate and drain any excess grease.
Preparing the Broth
- In the same pot, pour in the chicken or beef broth and scrape any brown bits from the bottom. Bring to a rolling boil.
Cooking the Spaghetti
- Slowly add the uncooked spaghetti into the boiling broth. Use kitchen tongs to twist the noodles into the pot.
- After a few minutes, mix in the undrained diced tomatoes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and add the softened cream cheese if using. Ensure pasta is submerged in the sauce.
- Partially cover the pot and reduce to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Combining and Serving
- Once the pasta is tender, return the cooked beef and vegetables to the pot. Stir until heated through and well combined.
- Serve family-style directly from the pot or garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.
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