The Easiest One Pot Spaghetti
The Easiest One Pot Spaghetti
(No chopping, no draining, no stress. Just cozy pasta goodness in 30 minutes.)
Let’s just say… if weeknight dinners were a reality TV show, this one-pot spaghetti would be the chill girl in sweatpants who doesn’t cause drama and somehow still steals the whole show.
This recipe is for anyone who:
- Is tired.
- Wants something comforting.
- Doesn’t want to dirty 14 dishes or chop an onion.
- Is really tired.
Did I mention tired?
You don’t have to drain anything. You don’t have to chop anything. And you don’t have to wonder, “Is this going to be good though?” Because yes. Yes it is.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti
Aside from the fact that it basically cooks itself, here’s what makes this pasta special:
- It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. Think classic spaghetti vibes with a little upgrade.
- One pot = minimal cleanup. No separate pasta pot. No colander. Just you and your trusty Dutch oven or deep skillet.
- The texture? Chefs kiss. Cooking the pasta right in the sauce gives it that starchy, clingy, saucy coating that’s chef-level without trying.
Fun Fact Time 🍅
Did you know that cooking pasta in the sauce instead of water actually makes the whole dish taste better? It’s true. The starch from the spaghetti thickens the sauce naturally and helps every noodle soak up all that garlicky, tomato-y goodness.
Also, Cento Whole Tomatoes are Italian-grown, and they’re low-key elite. Just a little tomato flex for your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your dream team:
- 1 lb Ground Beef – Adds that savory base and makes it a full meal.
- 28 oz Cento Whole Tomatoes – Break them up with your spoon while they simmer.
- 4 cloves garlic – We’re using pre-minced because ✨we’re exhausted✨. No garlic-shaming here.
- ½ cup Heavy Cream – For that luxurious finish. Optional.
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce – Builds out the body of the sauce.
- ½ Tbsp Minced Garlic (again) – Double garlic = double flavor.
- 1 Tbsp Minced Onion – From the pantry. We’re not chopping today.
- 1 Tbsp Dried Basil – A dried herb moment that makes this taste like real effort.
- 2–3 Tbsp Brown Sugar – Balances the acidity. Adjust to taste.
- 4 cups Water – Trust the process. This turns into sauce magic.
- 1 Tbsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base – Adds depth and makes everything taste homemade.
- 1 lb Spaghetti – Break it in half to make it fit. (Sorry to the Italians.)
How to Make It
Here’s how this all comes together, without chaos:
- Brown the beef.
In a large Dutch oven or deep pot, brown your ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed. - Add the flavor squad.
Stir in the garlic, onion, dried basil, brown sugar, whole tomatoes (crush with your spoon!), tomato sauce, heavy cream, water, and Better Than Bouillon. Give it a good stir. - Break the spaghetti in half and add it straight into the pot. Press it down gently so it’s covered by the liquid.
- Simmer + stir.
Bring everything to a light boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir often (especially early on!) to prevent sticking. Simmer for about 15–18 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened. - Taste and vibe.
Adjust seasoning or add a little splash of cream if you’re feeling fancy. Serve with parmesan and garlic bread if you’re living your best life.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. It reheats like a dream—just add a splash of water or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Can I swap the ground beef?
Yes! Try ground turkey, Italian sausage, or go meatless and boost the flavor with a little extra bouillon or veggie stock.
Is this kid-approved?
This pasta has been known to silence even the pickiest eaters. It’s saucy, not spicy, and totally slurpable.
Let’s Wrap This Up
This one-pot spaghetti is the cozy weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s unfussy, delicious, and just the right amount of indulgent without feeling like a full-on food coma. Add it to your regular rotation and thank yourself later.
✨No chopping. No draining. Just dinner.✨ Tag me if you make it!
The Easiest One Pot Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 28 oz Cento Whole Tomatoes
- 4 Cloves Minced Garlic (1/2 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon dried Minced Onion
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dried Basil
- 2-3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 4 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 1 lb Spaghetti
Instructions
- In your pot, toast your garlic and dried onion. Add beef and brown. Drain any grease.
- Add tomatoes, crush them up. Add Tomato Sauce and seasonings, then add water and bouillon (can also swap the water for chicken stock, same amount and omit the bouillon).
- Add in your spaghetti and bring to a boil.
- Simmer around 15ish minutes until pasta is cooked and sauce is thick!
