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One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Can be gluten-free if using gluten-free pasta

Description

This One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce is a quick, hearty, and comforting meal perfect for busy nights. Combining tender pasta and a rich, savory meat sauce all cooked together in a single pot, it delivers deep flavor with minimal prep and cleanup. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s versatile and sure to satisfy.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Liquids and Sauce

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth

Pasta & Seasonings

  • 8 oz uncooked short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or your choice of meat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When no longer pink, stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors before adding the dry pasta directly into the pot.
  3. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
  4. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and allow it to melt into the warm sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Use short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for even cooking and better sauce capture.
  • Brown meat in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
  • Adjust broth or tomato quantity if pasta absorbs liquid too quickly or the sauce is too soupy.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce further.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg