This One Pot Spaghetti is an easy and flavorful dinner that comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich marinara sauce, this recipe is a family favorite for busy weeknights. The addition of cream cheese creates a creamy, delicious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick meal for busy families. One pot pasta recipes like this are ideal for anyone looking for simple, hearty, and satisfying meals with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 small onion (diced)
1 small bell pepper (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 ½ cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
½ pound uncooked spaghetti
24 oz marinara sauce
2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened, optional but recommended)

Instructions:

Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until nearly browned. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt/pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and the meat is fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and drain any excess grease.
Prepare the Broth: In the same pot, add the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Bring the broth to a boil.
Cook the Spaghetti: Add the uncooked spaghetti to the boiling broth. Use kitchen tongs to gently twist the spaghetti into the liquid as it softens. Once softened, add the undrained diced tomatoes to the pot.
Add Sauces: Stir in the marinara sauce and softened cream cheese, making sure the cream cheese fully dissolves. Push the pasta underneath the sauce, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is cooked through, add the cooked ground beef mixture back into the pot and stir to combine. Heat through.
Serve: Serve your one-pot spaghetti with a side of cheesy garlic bread for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Spaghetti is a simple, quick, and flavorful dish that requires minimal cleanup. The savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich marinara sauce come together in a single pot, making it an easy, hearty dinner for busy weeknights. The addition of cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce, making every bite extra delicious.

Tips

Prevent Sticking: Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings with extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Consistency: If you prefer a saucier dish, add a little more broth or marinara sauce during the simmering process.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of ground beef for a lighter variation.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add more vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a bit of heat.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute the spaghetti with any other pasta shape like penne or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you use.

Can I make this in advance?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the One Pot Spaghetti. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Spaghetti pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. You can also top the spaghetti with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil for extra flavor. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with a glass of red wine or a classic Caesar salad.