One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic Bread & Salad

One-Pot Spaghetti

Servings: 6 | Prep & Cook: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 8 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Brown the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess grease.
2. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes, water, and broth. Season with oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Mix thoroughly.
3. Turn heat to high and bring to a rolling boil. Add broken spaghetti directly to the boiling liquid. Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking.
4. When pasta is tender, remove bay leaf and turn off heat. Top evenly with mozzarella cheese. Cover pot and let sit 5 minutes for cheese to melt.
5. Fold melted cheese into the pasta. Serve immediately topped with fresh Parmesan.

Garlic Bread (also see How to Make a Roux — spaghetti sauce starts with sautéing)

Servings: 6 | Prep & Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup cheddar cheese
• 1 Tbsp parsley
• ½ tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Combine softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, parsley, Parmesan, and cheddar. Mix well.
3. Spread butter mixture evenly over cut sides of French bread.
4. Place bread cut side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Slice into 2-inch pieces and serve warm.

Salad

Serve a simple salad kit or your favorite greens tossed with dressing on the side.