why make this recipe
One Pot Spaghetti is a delightful and straightforward dish that leaves you with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy families. It brings together the flavors of ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a single pot, ensuring a hearty meal without the fuss.
This recipe is not only easy to follow but also customizable. You can add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to create a pasta dish that everyone will love. It’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining guests.
equipment needed for One Pot Spaghetti
To prepare One Pot Spaghetti, you will need some basic kitchen equipment. A large pot is essential to cook the ingredients together. A silicone spatula will help scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot, enhancing the flavor. You should also have a cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables, as well as measuring cups and spoons for precision in your ingredients.
What You Need to Make One Pot Spaghetti
- 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)
How to Cook One Pot Spaghetti Step by Step
To get started, place a large pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onions. Cook and crumble the meat while stirring, allowing it to brown and cook through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef and onions are nearly cooked through, add in the diced bell peppers, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, and some salt and pepper. Stir and sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Next, remove the cooked beef mixture from the pot and set it aside on a plate. If there’s any excess grease, carefully drain it from the pot. Now, pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot, which adds flavor to your dish. Turn up the heat and bring the broth to a boil.
While the broth is heating, take your uncooked spaghetti noodles and gently twist them into the pot as they soften in the boiling broth. This allows the noodles to cook evenly. Once the pasta has softened enough, mix in the undrained diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine.
After adding the tomatoes, pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the softened cream cheese, making sure to submerge the pasta completely. Partially cover the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir the mixture periodically to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
Once the spaghetti is cooked through and has absorbed some of the sauce, return the cooked beef to the pot. Give everything a good stir to fully incorporate the beef into the pasta. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, then your One Pot Spaghetti is ready to be served.
how to make One Pot Spaghetti
Making One Pot Spaghetti is straightforward and fun. Start by cooking the ground beef until it’s nicely browned, and then add the vegetables and spices as they enhance the dish’s flavor. Don’t forget to scrape the pot while you add the broth, as this will help create a richer taste.
After you mix in the spaghetti and tomatoes, give it time to simmer so it fully cooks. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, to ensure a perfect consistency. Finally, return the beef to the pot, and your meal is complete!
how to serve One Pot Spaghetti
When serving One Pot Spaghetti, portion out the pasta and sauce onto plates or bowls. You can add freshly grated cheese on top if desired, enhancing the flavor even further. This dish is wonderfully filling, so smaller portions often suffice.
Accompany your spaghetti with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It adds color and a subtle flavor contrast that can brighten up the dish. Use breadsticks or garlic bread on the side to soak up any delightful sauce left on the plate.
what to serve with One Pot Spaghetti
One Pot Spaghetti pairs beautifully with various side dishes. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta. You might also consider serving steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans alongside.
Another great option is a classic Caesar salad, which adds crunch and tanginess. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread will complement the pasta superbly, providing a crunchy texture that contrasts the softness of the spaghetti.
how to store One Pot Spaghetti
Storing One Pot Spaghetti is simple. Allow any leftovers to cool down before you pack them up. Transfer the spaghetti into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to three days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the spaghetti. Place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, and it should last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
tips to make One Pot Spaghetti
To achieve the best results with your One Pot Spaghetti, use 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. Browning the meat well will enhance the overall taste. Don’t rush through the sautéing process, as the vegetables need to develop their flavors.
Taste the dish as you cook! Adjust the seasoning if needed, as preferences can vary. If you want a creamier texture, don’t skip the cream cheese; it adds richness that enhances the dish. Finally, be attentive while the pasta cooks; stirring occasionally prevents it from sticking.
variation
One Pot Spaghetti is highly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes. Consider swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option. You can also add in different vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Experimenting with the sauce can lead to exciting flavors. Try substituting marinara with alfredo sauce for a creamy twist or include Italian sausage for a spicier alternative. The variations are endless, so feel free to get creative!
best time to make One Pot Spaghetti
One Pot Spaghetti is best made on a busy weeknight when time is limited. It comes together quickly and requires little cleanup, making it ideal for families or individuals on the go. It’s also a great dish for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go for nights when cooking feels overwhelming.
Additionally, it’s wonderful for gatherings or potlucks. You can prepare a larger batch to serve family and friends easily. The dish is comforting and satisfying, making it a hit with all ages.
common mistakes to avoid
One mistake often made while preparing One Pot Spaghetti is not browning the meat sufficiently. This step is crucial for depth of flavor. Additionally, some may add too much liquid. Ensure you’ve measured the broth properly to avoid a soupy dish.
Another common error is neglecting to stir as the spaghetti cooks. Stirring helps to prevent sticking and promotes even cooking. Lastly, don’t forget about seasoning! The dish can taste bland without the right amounts of salt and spices, so taste along the way and adjust as necessary.
nutritional notes
One Pot Spaghetti can be a balanced meal when made thoughtfully. It provides protein from the ground beef, vitamins from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the pasta. To increase the nutritional value, consider adding more vegetables or using whole-grain pasta.
If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can opt for leaner meat, more vegetables, or even spiralized zucchini as a low-carb alternative. Keep an eye on the portion sizes; this dish is filling, so smaller servings go a long way.
FAQs
Can I make One Pot Spaghetti without meat?
Yes! You can easily skip the ground beef and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein.
How long does One Pot Spaghetti keep in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts about three days in the refrigerator.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Different pasta shapes can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the type.
conclusion
One Pot Spaghetti is a wonderfully easy dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. It combines ground beef, pasta, and vegetables into a single pot for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights or when you crave a hearty, homemade dish, it’s a recipe you can rely on time and time again.
Feel free to adapt the ingredients and flavors to suit your family’s preferences. Serving this meal results in not just full bellies but happy faces all around, making it a staple in any home. Enjoy the delicious satisfaction of One Pot Spaghetti!
