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One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce
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A quick, flavorful One-Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce recipe perfect for busy nights. This comforting dish combines a rich, savory meat sauce with tender pasta, all cooked effortlessly in a single pot for a delicious and convenient meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or a mix)
  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

Sauce Base

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 ½ cups broth or water (enough to just cover the pasta)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft.
  2. Add Tomatoes, Herbs, and Seasoning: Pour in canned tomatoes, then sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Pour in Broth and Add Pasta: Add broth or water along with the pasta, ensuring the liquid just covers the pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Cook Until Pasta is Tender: Stir occasionally as pasta cooks and absorbs liquid, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add more liquid if needed and prevent sticking by stirring gently but often.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once pasta is tender and sauce thickened, stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley added at the end for brightness.
  • Don’t skip browning the meat; it adds depth and caramelized flavor.
  • Watch the liquid closely to ensure perfect pasta texture.
  • Stir gently but frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Choose short pasta shapes for best one-pot results.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, meat sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, Italian pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/one-pot-pasta-with-meat-sauce/