Description
This Easy One Pot Spaghetti recipe combines savory ground beef or Italian sausage with marinara sauce and perfectly cooked pasta all in one skillet or Dutch oven. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this hearty and flavorful Italian-American main course is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals. The dish is seasoned with classic Italian herbs and finished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil, making it a comforting and satisfying pasta dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water or beef broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine and evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add the dry spaghetti to the skillet, breaking it in half if needed to fit. Pour in the marinara sauce and water or beef broth. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly while absorbing the flavorful sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and additional cheese if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to incorporate extra vegetables into the dish.
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pan and cook evenly.
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer sauce flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
