One-Pot Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting one-pot meal combining spaghetti, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce infused with Mediterranean herbs for a quick and satisfying dinner. This Greek-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs extra-virgin olive oil, ground beef, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and 1 medium finely chopped onion, cooking for 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes and 3 cups water, stirring to combine. Add 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti broken in half, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is tender and the sauce has thickened, coating the noodles.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, garnished with 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese for a tangy finishing touch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce?

Greek beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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