Amazing Ground Beef and Spaghetti Recipe

Busy weeks can feel like a marathon, but guess what? This ground beef and spaghetti recipe will make it a whole lot better. Less time in the kitchen means more time relaxing. Enjoy minimal cleanup and maximum traditional spaghetti flavors with this dish.

Total Servings: 4

Total Cost: $24.62

Cost Per Serving: $6.16

Ingredients & Costs*

1 lb ground beef ($5.37)
23 oz marinara sauce ($2.48)
16 oz dried spaghetti ($1.48)
4 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil ($6.64)
1/2 tsp kosher salt ($2.12)
Black pepper ($3.12)
Crushed chili peppers ($1.44)
Parmesan cheese ($1.97)

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*Food costs may vary and can change over time. The prices listed were the current prices of these ingredients when this recipe was made at the time of this post. Almost all our ingredients are purchased from Walmart as we live in a small town without any other options. If you notice a significant price difference, please let us know at hello@freshgains.com so we can update this post.

Your Ground Beef and Spaghetti FAQs, Answered

What’s the benefit of one-pot spaghetti?

The main benefit of one-pot spaghetti is the easy cleanup without sacrificing any taste. All the ingredients combine in one-pot which allows the combination of flavors without producing a sink full of dishes.

I don’t have to cook the pasta separately?

Nope! In this one-pot spaghetti recipe, the pasta cooks in the sauce while it absorbs all of the flavors.

Can I use any type of pasta?

Definitely. While I opted to use traditional spaghetti, you can choose any other type of pasta that you prefer or happen to have in the pantry. Linguine, fettuccine and penne pastas are all great options for this dish. Just remember to check the cooking time on your pasta’s packaging and adjust the recipe accordingly.

How do I keep the pasta from getting sticky?

Sticky pasta is the worst. Luckily, there is a quick and easy way to prevent this happening. Early in the cooking process, you’ll want to give the pasta a quick stir. Then stir the pasta every few minutes as it continues cooking. Another way to help prevent the pasta from sticking together is to add a little bit of olive oil to the pot. This will help everything slide around.

Can I add veggies to the pot?

Veggies are a great addition to this one pot ground beef and spaghetti recipe. Some of my favorite veggie options are bell peppers and mushrooms. You can even make this dish meatier by adding sausage or chicken. If you go this route, I’d recommend trying Italian sausage.

Tips for Nailing This Recipe

Go big or go home: The first key to making the perfect one-pot spaghetti is choosing the right pot. You’ll want to use a pot that comfortably allows room for all of your ingredients. This will make for easy stirring and help prevent a messy kitchen.

Layer like a pro: Cooking the meat and any added veggies first helps to make sure all the ingredients cook evenly. Once the meat and veggies are cooked. add the pasta and liquid.

Don’t let it dry out: When cooking, pasta will soak up the liquid in your pot. Make sure to keep an eye on it and add more broth or water, as necessary. This will ensure the dish stays nice and saucy and doesn’t come out dry.

Season it up: The natural flavor in one-pot dishes tends to be amazing, because all of the ingredients combine while cooking. When you add seasonings to these types of dishes, it can really take the flavor to the next level.

Freshen before serving: As the spaghetti and ground beef finishes cooking, topping it with fresh ingredients like basil, parsley or even a bit of lemon juice can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.