If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that simplifies dinner without skimping on flavor, the One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe is your new best friend. This beautiful dish combines the rich, savory taste of ground beef simmered in a robust tomato sauce with the gooey delight of melted mozzarella, all cooked in one pot for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s a weeknight winner that delivers classic Italian-American comfort with an effortless twist, perfect for busy evenings or anytime you want a satisfying one-pot wonder that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe proves how simplicity can yield spectacular results. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, achieving the perfect texture, and adding vibrant color to your plate.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Supplies rich, meaty depth and protein for a fulfilling meal.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor, adding a subtle sweetness and thickness to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (3-4 cloves): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory aroma that awakens the senses.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity and brings harmony to the tomato’s natural tang.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): A classic Italian herb giving a hint of earthiness and warmth.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): A well-rounded herb blend that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out bright, bold flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (a pinch, optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who like a touch of heat.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Creates a savory cooking liquid that enriches the pasta and sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes, canned (15 ounces): Provides that classic, saucy tomato base packed with flavor.
- Uncooked spaghetti (8 ounces): The star carb that soaks up all those delicious flavors beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): Melts into irresistible gooey pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (optional, to taste): Adds a little extra seasoning punch as desired.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): A finishing touch that brings sharp, nutty complexity.
How to Make One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef
Start by heating your soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until just browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it sizzles—about 7 to 8 minutes. This step develops the base flavor by caramelizing the meat. If you notice excess fat accumulating, carefully spoon it out to keep the dish from getting greasy while preserving the beef’s rich taste.
Step 2: Building the Aromatics
Once your beef has taken on that delicious browned sheen, stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Let them cook together for about a minute, allowing the garlic’s fragrance to bloom and the tomato paste to darken slightly. This deepens the sauce’s flavor, giving it that familiar, hearty richness we crave in a meat sauce.
Step 3: Seasoning the Sauce
Now add the onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. These spices and herbs layer in aroma and balance, turning simple ingredients into a symphony of classic Italian flavors that will make this dish unforgettable.
Step 4: Adding the Liquids
Pour in the beef broth and canned crushed tomatoes. Turn up the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil. This liquid will help cook the spaghetti right in the pot, allowing it to soak up the savory, tomatoey goodness as it softens. It’s an ingenious way to marry everything together in one pot.
Step 5: Cooking the Spaghetti
When boiling, carefully add the uncooked spaghetti straight into the pot. Let it cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the noodles separate and prevent sticking. You’ll want to adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer—medium or medium-low—so the sauce bubbles gently but doesn’t boil vigorously. This ensures the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs just the right amount of liquid.
Step 6: Melting the Mozzarella
Once the spaghetti is tender and the liquid has slightly thickened, turn off the heat but leave the pot on the burner. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, then cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes. This lazy melt method makes the cheese ooze perfectly without overcooking the pasta, creating luscious, creamy pockets of mozzarella throughout the dish.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serving
Gently toss the spaghetti and melted cheese so everything mingles deliciously. Taste and add black pepper or extra salt if needed. Serve your steaming bowl of one pot spaghetti hot, with an optional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor and sophistication.
How to Serve One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish lies in its comforting simplicity, but garnishes can elevate it to dinner-party levels. Fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of green freshness and a fragrant finishing note. A grating of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts for that added salty, nutty kick, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a welcome spark for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
Since the One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe is quite filling on its own, lighter sides pair best. A crisp, bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast, and garlic bread is always a fan favorite to soak up any remaining sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple roasted vegetable medley also complement the richness without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the cooked spaghetti in a large casserole dish, sprinkling more mozzarella and Parmesan on top, then broiling until golden and bubbly. Serve in rustic bowls with a side of crusty bread and a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping. For family-style meals, place the pot directly on the table and let everyone serve themselves, which feels cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day. Just make sure to cool it before popping it in the fridge.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the spaghetti may soften after thawing. To freeze, transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems thick or sticky. You can also microwave individual servings, covered loosely to trap steam, for about 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Just keep in mind that thinner pastas will cook faster in the liquid.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I add more cheese?
Cheese lovers rejoice! You can absolutely increase the mozzarella quantity or add other cheeses like provolone or fontina for different melt profiles. Just be mindful that extra cheese may add richness, so balance with a fresh salad or steamed veggies.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes only a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, making it very mild by default. If you prefer more heat, go ahead and add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
What if I don’t have tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can substitute with a few tablespoons of tomato sauce or puree, though the sauce may be slightly less concentrated. Just allow it a little extra time to simmer and thicken.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe is truly a heartfelt, soul-satisfying meal that’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious. It brings the best qualities of classic spaghetti into one convenient pot, perfect for busy cooks who crave homemade flavor without tons of hassle. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it a regular part of your dinner rotation—you’re going to love how easy and tasty it is!
Print
One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This flavorful One Pot Spaghetti recipe combines lean ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings simmered together with uncooked spaghetti for a quick and hearty meal. Topped with melted mozzarella and optional parmesan cheese, it simplifies dinner prep by cooking everything in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepper (optional, to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until just browned, breaking it up with a spoon as you go, about 7-8 minutes. Spoon out excess fat if needed to prevent greasiness.
- Add Tomato Paste and Garlic: Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook for about one minute to release the flavors and aromas.
- Season: Stir in the onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to combine all spices evenly.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Increase heat to high to bring the mixture up to a boil.
- Cook Spaghetti: Once boiling, add the uncooked spaghetti directly to the pot. Cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer—bubbling without a vigorous boil.
- Melt the Cheese: Turn off the heat but leave the pot on the burner. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and cover with a lid. Let sit for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and some of the liquid absorbs into the pasta.
- Final Toss and Serve: Gently toss the spaghetti to incorporate the melted mozzarella. Season with freshly ground pepper and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately with optional freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- If the spaghetti appears undercooked after 12 minutes, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and cook another 1-2 minutes.
- Spoon out excess beef fat during browning to reduce greasiness.
- The sauce is plentiful and flavorful; adjust salt and spice levels according to your preference.
- Freshly grated parmesan can be added as a garnish for a richer taste.
