Easy Homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe to Love

Pasta nights reach new heights with this hearty spaghetti with meat sauce that promises rich, comforting flavors.

Every twirl of noodles carries a robust blend of seasoned ground beef and tangy tomato goodness.

The classic meat sauce dances perfectly with al dente spaghetti, creating a symphonic meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Herbs and spices mingle generously, turning simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.

You love how quickly this crowd-pleasing recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Simple, delicious, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this timeless Italian-inspired comfort food.

Why Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Is Always a Win

• Quick Family Pleaser: Create a hearty, crowd-satisfying dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, meaty flavors.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable recipe that works for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or impromptu gatherings with friends and family.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Prepare a delicious meal using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Classic Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein for the classic meat sauce.

• Spaghetti: Traditional long pasta perfect for holding sauce.

• Olive Oil: Smooth and flavorful cooking oil.
• Onion: Sweet and aromatic vegetable for depth.
• Garlic: Pungent and essential flavor enhancer.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Bright red base creating robust sauce texture.

• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herbs adding authentic flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and sharp finishing touch.

How to Make Rich and Hearty Spaghetti

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they release a mouthwatering fragrance, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Drop ground beef into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it into tiny crumbles.

Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown with no pink hiding inside.

Step 3: Build Robust Flavor Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste

Blend everything thoroughly, creating a luscious sauce foundation.

Step 4: Infuse with Herbs and Spices

• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix gently to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 5: Let Sauce Develop Depth

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer lazily, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Allow the flavors to mingle and intensify for at least 30 minutes.

Step 6: Cook Perfect Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.

Drop spaghetti into the water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Twirl spaghetti onto plates, lavish with the rich meat sauce, and if desired, shower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor punch.

Tips for a Bold, Flavorful Sauce

• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for a healthier sauce with less grease, ensuring a cleaner flavor profile without compromising richness.
• Add a splash of red wine during meat browning to create complex, deeper flavors that elevate the traditional sauce's taste.
• Cover the skillet partially while simmering to retain moisture and concentrate the sauce's robust tomato and herb notes.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or use ground turkey for lighter protein options without sacrificing texture.
• Salt the boiling water generously and reserve a cup of pasta water to help sauce adhere better and adjust consistency if needed.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Spaghetti

• Store leftover spaghetti and meat sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with the date for easy tracking.
• Place pasta and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to prevent breaking and ensure even heating.

Great Sides for Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty tomato sauce with its bold flavor profile and balanced acidity.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Create a crispy, buttery garlic bread side that perfectly soaks up the savory sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast and complementary garlic notes to the spaghetti dish.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a light green salad with arugula, basil, and parsley dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meat sauce and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Complement with Aged Parmesan: Serve with additional freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese at the table, allowing diners to sprinkle extra sharp, nutty cheese that elevates the depth of the meat sauce's flavors.

Ideas to Switch Up Your Meat Sauce

• Vegetarian Bolognese: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu for a hearty meat-free sauce that maintains robust flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat version that still delivers satisfying protein and rich taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a similar savory sprinkle that keeps the recipe dairy-free and suitable for vegan preferences.

FAQs

• Why use both crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce?

Using both creates a richer, more complex tomato base. Crushed tomatoes add texture and chunky consistency, while tomato sauce provides smooth depth and ensures a well-rounded sauce flavor.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. The sauce’s herbs and seasonings will still deliver great taste while providing a healthier protein option.

• How can I prevent my sauce from becoming watery?

Brown the ground meat thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding tomato ingredients. Also, simmer the sauce uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate, which concentrates flavors and creates a thicker consistency.

• Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for 30 minutes?

Simmering allows ingredients to meld together, developing deeper, more harmonious flavors. The longer cooking time helps break down meat fibers and allows herbs to infuse completely into the sauce, creating a more robust taste profile.

Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Spaghetti with Meat Sauce delivers classic Italian comfort right to your plate, blending rich tomato depths with savory ground beef. Homemade magic emerges from simple ingredients, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb or 454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 (28 ounces or 794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces or 425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Pasta Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb or 454 grams) spaghetti
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

Garnish Ingredients:

• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Craft the aromatic foundation by warming olive oil in a spacious skillet, gently sweating finely diced onions and garlic until they turn translucent and release their fragrant essence.
2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, methodically crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon and allowing it to caramelize into a rich, golden-brown texture with no residual pinkness.
3. Elevate the sauce by incorporating crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring vigorously to create a harmonious blend of vibrant flavors.
4. Enrich the composition with a precise blend of dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, ensuring a balanced and robust seasoning profile.
5. Allow the sauce to gently simmer on low heat, permitting the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste, stirring periodically to prevent any unwanted scorching.
6. Simultaneously prepare the pasta by bringing a generously salted water bath to a rolling boil, then delicately submerge spaghetti strands and cook until they reach the coveted al dente consistency.
7. Artfully plate the perfectly cooked pasta, cascading the robust meat sauce over the noodles and finishing with an optional dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an indulgent touch.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier meat sauce.
• Customize the sauce’s consistency by adding a splash of pasta water if it becomes too thick during simmering.
• Enhance flavor depth by incorporating a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to balance the tomato’s acidity.
• Make the dish vegetarian-friendly by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for similar texture and protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg