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Easy One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A comforting and quick one-pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe that combines juicy meatballs and flavorful tomato sauce cooked together with pasta for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (whole or crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, diced onion, beaten egg, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20 total, and place on a plate.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side without cooking through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pan. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  6. Nestle the browned meatballs into the sauce, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to cook through and meld flavors.
  7. Scatter broken spaghetti over the sauce, press down gently, and add an additional 1 cup beef broth or water if needed to cover pasta. Simmer uncovered, stirring gently and frequently, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
  8. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much before pasta is done, add more broth or water to keep pasta cooking evenly. Stir gently to avoid breaking meatballs. Use fresh garlic and herbs for best flavor. Meatballs can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner meat. Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten sensitivities. Omit Parmesan or use vegan alternative for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, spaghetti, meatballs, quick dinner, easy recipe, family meal, comfort food

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