Skillet Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce
One-pan spaghetti cooked with seasoned ground beef and a rich tomato sauce, finished with tangy feta and fresh herbs. This greek-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes blends ounces spaghetti pasta, tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, pound ground beef into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 ounces crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
- Step 4: Add 12 ounces dry spaghetti pasta to the skillet and pour in 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Skillet Greek Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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.