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
Scale
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.
