Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Serves: 4–5
Best For: Busy weeknights, family dinners, quick meals

An Easy Family Dinner Everyone Loves

This One-Pot Spaghetti & Meat Sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner — simple, hearty, and full of comforting flavour. Everything cooks together in one pot, from the meat sauce to the spaghetti, which means fewer dishes and more convenience.

It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and a meal that brings everyone to the table with joy. The pasta absorbs the sauce as it cooks, giving you a rich, flavourful dish without extra steps or complicated ingredients.

Ingredients for One-Pot Spaghetti & Meat Sauce

• 500g beef mince

• 1 onion, diced

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

• 3 cups water or beef stock

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1–2 tsp sugar (optional — balances acidity)

• 1 tsp Italian herbs or mixed herbs

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• Pepper, to taste

• 300g dried spaghetti (broken in half)

Optional:

• Fresh basil

• Parmesan cheese

• Chilli flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the mince. Heat oil in a large pot. Add the beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

2. Add aromatics. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.

3. Build the sauce. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.

4. Add liquid. Pour in water or beef stock and bring to a gentle boil.

5. Add spaghetti. Place the spaghetti into the pot, pushing it down so it’s mostly submerged.

6. Simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Adjust consistency. Add a little extra water if needed until pasta is fully cooked.

8. Serve. Garnish with parmesan or basil and serve hot.

Helpful Tips

• Breaking the spaghetti helps it cook evenly and prevents clumping.

• Stir every few minutes to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

• Stock gives richer flavour than water.

• Add veggies like spinach or capsicum for extra nutrition.

Why This Recipe Works

• One pot = minimal dishes and easy cleanup.

• Budget-friendly ingredients found in any supermarket.

• Pasta absorbs the sauce for maximum flavour.

• Perfect for beginners and busy families.

Explore More Family-Friendly Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

• Easy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Easy One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

• Easy No-Fail Lasagna