Easy One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
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Are you tired of making a mess in the kitchen when cooking spaghetti? This easy one-pot spaghetti with meat sauce recipe is the answer. You can have a tasty meal on the table in just 35 minutes with minimal cleanup. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors as it becomes tender.

This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Ground beef, onion, garlic, and jarred marinara create a rich meat sauce. The pasta and broth go in the same pot, so everything cooks together. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch to this comforting dish.

Exact Ingredients List
You’ll need these items to make this yummy one-pot spaghetti:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
This recipe makes 6 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. Each serving has about 719 calories.
Remember to break up the beef as it cooks. You’ll want to drain the extra fat after browning the meat. This keeps your dish from being too greasy.
When you add the spaghetti, make sure to stir it now and then. This stops the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add more herbs if you want a stronger flavor.

Instructions
Get ready to make a tasty one-pot spaghetti! Start by cooking the ground beef in a big pot. Break it up as it cooks. When it’s no longer pink, drain the extra fat.
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until the onions are soft. This takes about 5 minutes.
Now for the sauce! Pour in the marinara, chicken broth, basil, and oregano. Add some salt and pepper too. Bring it all to a boil.
Time for the pasta! Add the spaghetti to the pot. Turn down the heat and cover it. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir it now and then. The pasta should be nice and tender.
When the pasta is done, take the pot off the heat. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top.
That’s it! Your one-pot spaghetti is ready to eat. Grab a fork and dig in. You’ll love how the meat sauce coats every noodle. Enjoy your easy, yummy dinner!

Possible Substitutes List
You can easily swap ingredients in this one-pot spaghetti recipe. Here are some tasty options:
Ground meat:
• Ground turkey
• Italian sausage
• Plant-based crumbles
Pasta:
• Penne
• Rotini
• Gluten-free spaghetti
Sauce:
• Homemade tomato sauce
• Vodka sauce
• Arrabbiata sauce
Broth:
• Vegetable broth
• Beef broth
• Water with bouillon cubes
Herbs:
• Italian seasoning blend
• Fresh basil and oregano
Cheese topping:
• Pecorino Romano
• Nutritional yeast (vegan option)
Feel free to mix and match these substitutes. You can make the dish vegetarian by using plant-based crumbles and veggie broth. For a spicier kick, try hot Italian sausage and arrabbiata sauce.
Remember to adjust cooking times if you use different pasta shapes. Shorter pasta may cook faster than spaghetti.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
You can make this one-pot spaghetti recipe more diabetes-friendly with a few simple swaps. Try using whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular pasta. It has more fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption.
Replace half the ground beef with turkey or chicken for less fat. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to boost nutrients and fiber.
Choose a low-sugar marinara sauce or make your own with fresh tomatoes. Cut the amount of pasta to 8 ounces and increase the veggies to lower the carb count.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Original | Diabetes-Friendly |
|---|---|
| Regular spaghetti | Whole wheat spaghetti |
| 1 pound beef | 1/2 pound beef, 1/2 pound turkey |
| 12 oz pasta | 8 oz pasta + extra veggies |
Remember to watch your portion sizes too. Stick to about 1 cup of the finished dish per serving. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal.
With these changes, you can still enjoy this tasty one-pot meal while keeping your blood sugar in check. It’s a win-win!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best one-pot spaghetti, break the pasta in half before adding it to the pot. This helps it cook more evenly. Stir the pasta often to prevent it from sticking together.
You can swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor. Add some red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.
Don’t have marinara sauce? Use canned crushed tomatoes and add extra herbs and spices to taste.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Try these tasty toppings:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated mozzarella cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Garlic bread on the side
For a veggie boost, toss in some spinach or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. Your one-pot meal will be even more nutritious!
Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A pinch of salt or a sprinkle of herbs can make a big difference.