There is nothing quite like a comforting bowl of spaghetti, especially when it all comes together in one pot for easy cooking and less cleanup. This One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a rich, flavorful pasta dish without the fuss. Imagine tender noodles perfectly cooked in a savory, homemade meat sauce that’s bursting with fresh veggies and herbs — all bubbling away in one pot. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I can’t wait to share all the tips and tricks to make it just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from building layers of flavor to adding the perfect texture and color that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 onion (finely chopped): Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 stick celery (finely diced): Adds a fresh crunch and aromatic base note.
- 1 medium carrot (shredded): Enhances sweetness and brightens the sauce’s color.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses savory warmth and that signature Italian flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Gives the sauce hearty richness without too much fat.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties it all together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring out the best in every ingredient.
- ½ cup dry red wine: Adds complexity and depth, or substitute extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- 1 (28-oz) can tomato sauce: Provides rich, tangy tomato goodness as the base of the sauce.
- 3 cups beef broth: Keeps everything moist and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: A splash of acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
- 1 (12-oz) box spaghetti (uncooked): The star pasta that soaks up all those incredible flavors.
- Fresh basil, fresh parsley and parmesan cheese (optional): For the final bright and cheesy finish.
How to Make One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, diced celery, shredded carrot, and minced garlic. Cook these together until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant aroma, about 3 to 4 minutes. This foundational step is where your sauce starts to build complexity, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add your lean ground beef directly to the pot with the softened vegetables. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the beef is browned thoroughly, which should take around 5 minutes. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it, but leaving a little fat can deepen your flavor.
Step 3: Season and Deglaze
Stir in the rich tomato paste along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring for 30 to 60 seconds, letting the tomato paste caramelize a bit and intensify the taste. Then pour in your red wine, scraping any flavorful browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer for about a minute to burn off the alcohol and concentrate those delicious notes.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour in the tomato sauce, two cups of beef broth, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together to marry these wonderful ingredients. This mixture will become the luscious sauce your spaghetti cooks in, so be sure it’s nicely combined.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
Submerge the uncooked spaghetti into the sauce, laying the strands down so they fit within the pot. Tuck in a couple of fresh basil sprigs if you want a pop of herbal brightness. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cover with a lid. Simmer for about 10 minutes, gently stirring now and then, and add extra beef broth as needed to keep the pasta moist and cooking evenly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes. This lets the sauce thicken and the spaghetti reach perfect tenderness. Add broth if necessary, but the goal is a rich, well-coated pasta. Discard the basil sprigs and immediately dish out the spaghetti with freshly chopped herbs and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese if you like.
How to Serve One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet transformative garnishes such as freshly chopped basil, parsley, and a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese really elevate this dish. They add fresh bursts of flavor, an inviting aroma, and an extra layer of texture that complements the meaty sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also make great companions, adding healthy brightness and color to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, serve your One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe in individual bowls garnished with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a few chili flakes for subtle heat. You might also top it with a soft poached egg for extra richness or pack it into a bread bowl for a fun presentation that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the pasta from drying out. The sauce may thicken overnight, so a splash of broth or water when reheating can bring it back to life.
Freezing
One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe freezes well, making it a great meal prep option. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at full power to keep the texture of the pasta pleasant.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just be mindful to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as turkey has a milder flavor than beef.
What if I don’t have red wine?
Don’t worry if you want to skip the wine; simply replace it with an equal amount of beef broth. The dish will still be delicious and richly flavored.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! While spaghetti is traditional here, short pastas like penne or rigatoni can be used — just adjust cooking times as some shapes take longer to become tender.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! This dish is a comforting classic that most kids enjoy. You can skip or reduce the herbs if you like a simpler flavor profile for younger palates.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pot occasionally as the pasta cooks and keep an eye on liquid levels. Adding broth little by little helps the noodles cook evenly and prevents sticking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe a try because it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade Italian classic without hours in the kitchen. The ease of having everything cooked together in one pot, paired with the deep, comforting flavors, makes it an instant favorite in my house. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s become such a go-to recipe for busy days and cozy family dinners alike. Happy cooking!
Print
One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce recipe offers a hearty, flavorful meal prepared entirely in a single pot. It combines lean ground beef with aromatic vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, making it both convenient and delicious. The recipe features a balance of savory flavors enhanced by red wine and balsamic vinegar, finished with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 stick celery, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup dry red wine (Merlot recommended; substitute with extra beef broth if avoiding alcohol)
- 1 (28-oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 (12-oz) box spaghetti (uncooked)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for cooking and garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced celery, shredded carrot, and minced garlic. Cook the vegetables until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned evenly, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired to reduce fat content.
- Season the base: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture while stirring constantly for 30 to 60 seconds to develop the flavors. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift any browned bits. Let it simmer for about one minute to reduce slightly.
- Add liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, 2 cups of beef broth, and the balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Add pasta and cook: Submerge the uncooked spaghetti in the sauce inside the pot. Add a couple of basil sprigs if using for added aroma. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add additional beef broth gradually if the sauce thickens too much or the pasta needs more liquid.
- Finish simmering: Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spaghetti is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Add more broth if necessary to achieve desired consistency. Discard any basil sprigs used during cooking.
- Serve: Immediately serve the pasta topped with fresh chopped basil, parsley, and grated parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra burst of fresh flavor and texture.
Notes
- To keep the dish alcohol-free, replace red wine with an equal amount of additional beef broth.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
- Stir regularly when cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- The cooking time for pasta may vary depending on the brand and thickness; adjust simmering time accordingly.
- This recipe can be halved or doubled easily to serve more or fewer people.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
