Cheesy One-Pot Mozzarella Spaghetti
This delightful and easy one-pot Mozzarella Spaghetti is a nostalgic nod to a classic recipe from a 1990s Canadian Dairy Farmers card. Loved by cheese enthusiasts and busy cooks alike, this dish blends lean ground beef with tender vegetables in a flavorful tomato base. The spaghetti cooks directly in the sauce, making cleanup a breeze with just one pot to wash.
5
Servings
440
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
Mushrooms
2 cups (sliced)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Green pepper
1 cup (chopped)
Canned tomatoes
28 ounces (not drained)
Water
1 cup (none)
Spaghetti
1 1/2 cups (broken into thirds)
Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pan over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper until browned and the vegetables are tender.
2
Drain any excess fat from the pan.
3
Cut up the canned tomatoes and add them, along with their juices, to the pan.
4
Stir in the water, broken spaghetti, Italian seasoning, and salt.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the spaghetti is cooked to your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.
7
Remove the lid and sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti mixture.
8
Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
9
Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
42g
Carbs
30g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy One-Pot Mozzarella Spaghetti?
It is a nostalgic and easy one-pot meal featuring ground beef, vegetables, and spaghetti cooked directly in a tomato and mozzarella sauce, inspired by a 1990s Canadian Dairy Farmers recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
How long does the spaghetti need to simmer?
The spaghetti should simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until it reaches your desired tenderness.
What type of meat is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No, the spaghetti is broken into thirds and cooked directly in the pan with the sauce ingredients, making it a true one-pot meal.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the canned tomatoes should be added with their juices to provide the necessary liquid for cooking the spaghetti.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The dish includes 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of chopped onion, and 1 cup of chopped green pepper.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese to be stirred in at the end.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 440 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a lot of fat in this recipe?
Each serving contains 18 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What seasonings are used for flavor?
The dish is seasoned with 1.5 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
Can I substitute the green pepper?
Yes, you can substitute the green pepper with red or yellow bell peppers if you prefer a sweeter taste.
What size can of tomatoes is needed?
You will need one 28-ounce can of tomatoes.
How much water is added to the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of water to be stirred in before simmering.
Why is the spaghetti broken into thirds?
Breaking the spaghetti into thirds ensures it fits into the pan and is evenly covered by the liquid for proper cooking.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
The mozzarella is added after the spaghetti is fully cooked and the pan is removed from the lid; it is then stirred until melted and creamy.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There are 4 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to brown the ground beef, mushrooms, onion, and green pepper in a large pan over medium heat.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining any excess fat from the pan after browning the meat and vegetables.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 30-minute meal and a quick, family-friendly option.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it hot, optionally garnished with additional herbs or extra mozzarella cheese.
What is the preparation for the onions and peppers?
Both the onions and the green peppers should be chopped before being added to the pan.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?
Yes, though you may need to increase the quantity as dried herbs are generally more concentrated than fresh ones.
How many mushrooms do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sliced mushrooms.
Is this a good recipe for busy families?
Absolutely, it is designed for busy cooks because it uses only one pot and takes minimal time to prepare.
What kind of pasta is used?
The recipe specifically uses 1.5 cups of spaghetti broken into thirds.
How do I make the sauce creamy?
The sauce becomes creamy by stirring in the grated mozzarella cheese once the pasta has finished simmering.
Does this recipe originate from a specific source?
It is based on a classic 1990s recipe card from the Canadian Dairy Farmers.