Cheesy One-Pot Beef Spaghetti — a quick, comforting meal where everything cooks together in a single pot, including the pasta. Minimal washing up, maximum flavour.
🍝 Cheesy One-Pot Beef Spaghetti
Serves 4
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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500g (1 lb) lean minced beef
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 x 400g (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes
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750ml (3 cups) beef stock
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300g (10.5 oz) dried spaghetti
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120g (1 cup) grated cheddar or mozzarella (or a mix)
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Fresh parsley or basil, to serve
Method
1. Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the beef
Add the minced beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavour.
3. Add liquids and pasta
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then add the spaghetti. At first, the spaghetti won’t lie flat — either snap it in half or let it soften for a minute, then push it down into the liquid with tongs.
4. Cook until tender
Reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently to stop the pasta sticking to the bottom. The spaghetti will absorb the liquid and release starch, making the sauce thick and glossy. If it looks too dry before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of boiling water.
5. Melt the cheese
Once the spaghetti is al dente and the sauce is rich, remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until melted and gooey.
6. Serve
Scatter with fresh parsley or basil and serve straight from the pot.
Tips and Swaps
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Cheese crust: For a baked-finish look, after step 5, place the pot under a hot grill for 3–4 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
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Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of double cream or a spoonful of cream cheese with the cheese for a richer sauce.
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Veggie boost: Add grated carrot, chopped mushrooms, or spinach along with the onion. They cook down beautifully.
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Pasta: If you prefer a shorter pasta, penne or fusilli work well — just adjust the cooking time according to the packet, checking a couple of minutes earlier.
Let me know if you’d like an even quicker version using pre-made sauce, or a spicier twist with chilli and jalapeños.