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Easy One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

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A quick and comforting one-pot meal combining juicy meatballs, spaghetti, and a rich garlicky tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1/3 cup (35 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned, panko optional)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, broken in half
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, 1 minced garlic clove, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Set aside.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20 total, keeping them uniform in size.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and remaining 2 minced garlic cloves until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return meatballs to the pot, nestle into the sauce, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Add broken spaghetti to the pot, pressing it down to submerge in sauce. Add about 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra water or broth if needed to cover pasta. Cover again.
  8. Simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking pasta tenderness. Add more liquid if sauce becomes too thick.
  9. Once pasta is al dente and meatballs cooked through, adjust seasoning as needed. Add more broth or water if sauce is too thick.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Brown meatballs in batches to avoid steaming. Use medium heat to prevent burning. Stir pasta gently to avoid breaking noodles. Keep lid on while pasta cooks to trap steam. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/easy-one-pot-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe-for-quick-weeknight-dinners/