One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Cream Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This One Pot Spaghetti recipe is a delicious and easy meal that combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce all cooked together for convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights, it simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ pound spaghetti, uncooked
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef with the diced onions until the beef is nearly cooked through. Add the diced bell peppers, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian Seasonings, salt, and pepper during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Once done, transfer the mixture to a separate plate and drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Step 2: Pour the chicken broth into the empty pot. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the broth to a boil. Add the uncooked spaghetti noodles in sections, using kitchen tongs to gently twist and submerge them as they soften.
- Step 3: Once the noodles have softened, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes. Add the marinara sauce and softened cream cheese, making sure to submerge the pasta completely. Partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking, until the pasta is fully cooked.
- Step 4: Return the cooked ground beef mixture to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for a few minutes, then serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread topped with melted cheese.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier sauce, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste during the simmering step.
Storage
Store leftover One Pot Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other long pasta such as linguine or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the broth and sauce.
Is it necessary to add cream cheese?
The cream cheese is optional but highly recommended as it adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce. If you prefer, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of heavy cream.
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One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Spaghetti recipe is a quick and hearty meal combining ground beef, spaghetti, and a rich tomato-based sauce cooked all in one pot. The dish features savory seasonings and a creamy twist with optional cream cheese, delivering comforting flavors without the hassle of multiple pots or pans, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional but recommended)
Pasta
- ½ pound uncooked spaghetti
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the diced onions until the meat is nearly cooked through. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the diced bell peppers, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, transfer the meat mixture to a separate plate and drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour the chicken broth into the same pot. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom for extra flavor. Bring the broth to a boil. Add the uncooked spaghetti noodles, using kitchen tongs to twist and submerge the noodles as they soften in the hot liquid.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauces: Once the spaghetti has softened, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes. Then add the marinara sauce and softened cream cheese, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged under the sauce. Partially cover the pot and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula along the bottom to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked ground beef mixture back into the pot, stirring to combine and heat through. Serve the spaghetti hot, optionally accompanied by garlic bread with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using cream cheese adds a creamy texture and richness to the sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
- Simmering the pasta uncovered might cause it to stick; periodically stirring and ensuring the pasta remains submerged helps prevent this.
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the broth and sauce used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: one pot spaghetti, easy spaghetti recipe, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, one pot meal
