One-Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef: High-Protein Comfort in 30 Minutes

This one-pot spaghetti with ground beef packs bold flavor, lean protein, and minimal cleanup. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort meal made with simple pantry staples—ready in under 30 minutes and loaded with 35g of protein per serving.

There’s nothing better than a high-protein meal that fuels recovery and actually tastes amazing. This one-pot spaghetti with ground beef is exactly that kind of recipe—rich, savory, and built for both performance and comfort. It delivers all the flavor of a slow-simmered pasta dinner in a single pan, without the mess or hours in the kitchen.

As a chef and fitness coach, I’m all about efficient meals that help you stay consistent with your nutrition goals. This recipe balances complex carbs for sustained energy with lean protein to support muscle repair. It’s perfect post-workout or for meal prep days when you want something hearty without losing your evening to cleanup.

You’ll only need a few basic ingredients: lean ground beef, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, spaghetti, and broth. Everything cooks together in the same pot, so the pasta absorbs the rich beefy sauce as it simmers—no draining, no extra dishes. The result is a thick, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to every strand.

If you’re tracking macros or just looking for more muscle-building meal ideas, check out our 25 High-Protein Snacks for Muscle Gain after you finish this recipe.

For this dish, I use the TOWINGO 9-Inch Silicone Kitchen Tongs (Set of 3) because they’re safe for nonstick cookware and make tossing the pasta a breeze. They’re lightweight, easy to lock, and hold up well under heat — it makes prep so much easier. You can find them here.

By the time you’re done, you’ll have a balanced, high-protein meal that tastes like comfort food and supports your goals. Let’s get cooking.

Ingredients & Prep for One-Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef

This protein-packed spaghetti comes together in one pan with simple pantry staples. Everything simmers together to create a rich sauce and perfectly tender pasta with no draining required.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (24 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth (or water)
• 12 oz spaghetti, uncooked
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Substitutions:

• Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or plant-based protein for lower fat.
• Use whole-grain or high-protein pasta for extra fiber and a better macro balance.
• For a gluten-free version, choose chickpea or lentil pasta.

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Tools You’ll Need

• TOWINGO 9-Inch Silicone Kitchen Tongs (Set of 3) – Ideal for stirring and serving directly from the pot. Lockable, durable, and heat-safe. Get them here
• Escali Primo Digital Food Scale – Perfect for measuring pasta portions accurately to hit your macros. Find it here
• NileHome Stainless Steel Whisk Set (3-Pack) – Great for whisking your sauce base or blending broth evenly. Grab a set here

Quick Prep Notes

1. Use a large deep skillet or Dutch oven so the pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
2. Browning the beef properly adds depth to the sauce — give it time to develop that rich flavor before adding liquids.
3. Stir often once the pasta softens to prevent clumping.
4. Finish with Parmesan or fresh herbs for a professional touch.

This recipe is all about efficiency. You can prep, cook, and serve in under 30 minutes — no draining, no separate saucepan. It’s your new go-to for nights when you want something hearty, balanced, and satisfying without breaking your routine.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Everything cooks in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Follow these simple steps to build a rich, satisfying high-protein pasta dinner from start to finish.

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add 1 lb of lean ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no longer pink.
Drain excess fat if needed. Browning the meat properly creates the deep, savory base that gives this dish its signature flavor.

2. Add Aromatics and Seasoning

Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to coat the beef evenly in spices.

Pro Tip: Use the Lightyear Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush Set (2-Pack) to coat the bottom of your pan lightly with oil before searing — it helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sticking. Find it here.

3. Build the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
Scrape the bottom of the pot with your spatula to release any caramelized bits — that’s where all the flavor lives.

Bring to a simmer, then add the uncooked spaghetti, gently pressing it into the liquid with tongs until submerged.

4. Simmer and Stir

Reduce heat to medium-low and cover partially. Let cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Once the pasta softens, stir more frequently using the TOWINGO Silicone Kitchen Tongs for better control. Get them here.

Coach’s Tip: Keep an eye on liquid levels. If it looks too thick before the pasta is done, add ¼ cup broth at a time until it reaches your preferred texture.

5. Finish and Serve

Once the spaghetti is al dente and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Toss everything gently to coat.

For an exact macro-friendly portion, measure servings with the Escali Primo Digital Food Scale — available here.

Serve hot straight from the pan. The sauce clings perfectly to the spaghetti, creating a hearty, balanced meal that tastes like it took hours to make.

Nutrition & Benefits of One-Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef

This one-pot spaghetti isn’t just about convenience — it’s a smart, performance-focused meal that balances protein, carbs, and fats in the right ratio to refuel muscles and keep you satisfied.

Each serving offers around 35 grams of protein, making it ideal for athletes, gym-goers, or anyone maintaining an active lifestyle.

Nutrition per Serving (Approximate)

(Values may vary slightly depending on ingredients and serving size.)

Ingredient Benefits

Lean Ground Beef
A top-tier protein source packed with essential amino acids. It supports lean muscle growth and repair. Studies show protein-rich meals improve recovery after strength training (Harvard Health).

Whole-Grain or Protein Pasta
Provides slow-digesting carbs to stabilize blood sugar and keep energy levels consistent throughout your workout or day.

Olive Oil
Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support hormone balance and aid nutrient absorption.

Garlic & Onion
These kitchen staples add depth of flavor while supporting immune function and circulation.

Crushed Tomatoes
Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to improved heart health and recovery after training.

Pro Nutrition Tip

Pair this meal with a light salad or roasted vegetables to boost micronutrient intake and fiber. For a perfect post-meal dessert that stays in your macros, try our Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding or High-Protein Banana Donut Holes.

Health Disclaimer

Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutritional guidance, especially if you’re following a specific fitness or dietary plan.

Serving Suggestions & FAQs for One-Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef

This dish is designed to fit both your training schedule and your appetite. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it scales easily and keeps its rich, satisfying flavor.

Serving Ideas

Serve your spaghetti hot straight from the pot with a sprinkle of Parmesan and chopped basil. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

For a full balanced meal prep combo, add a side of our 5-Minute Winter Citrus Kale Salad or finish with a portion of Cottage Cheese Ice Cream for a refreshing high-protein dessert.

If you’re cooking for the week, portion the pasta into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. It reheats perfectly in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

• Divide the cooked pasta into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Reheat gently to keep the pasta from drying out — add a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to one month; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole-wheat or protein pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely. Whole-wheat or legume-based pasta boosts the fiber and protein content while keeping the texture firm.

2. How can I make this lower in fat?
Use extra-lean ground beef or swap in ground turkey. Reduce olive oil to half a tablespoon if needed.

3. Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and keeps for up to four days. For variety, try mixing in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini.

4. What’s the best way to keep the pasta from clumping?
Stir frequently during cooking and add a bit of extra broth if it starts sticking. Using TOWINGO Silicone Kitchen Tongs helps separate the noodles easily — find them here.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Simply skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor remains bold and rich.

Recommended Products

Lightyear Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush Set (2-Pack) – Heat-resistant up to 450°F. Ideal for coating pans evenly before searing or glazing. Available here.

TOWINGO 9-Inch Silicone Kitchen Tongs (Set of 3) – Lightweight, nonstick-safe, and lockable for storage. Find them here.

Escali Primo Digital Food Scale – Accurate gram/ounce readings for meal prep precision. See it here.

NileHome Stainless Steel Whisk Set (3-Pack) – Perfect for mixing sauces or combining broth. Order a set here.

Coach’s Notes.
Meals like this keep nutrition simple and sustainable. You’re getting complete protein, slow carbs, and balanced fats — all from one pot. That’s how you stay on track without overcomplicating your diet or your evening routine.