pasta with meat sauce recipe

The Best pasta with meat sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite pasta with meat sauce recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s easy to see why. The rich flavors of the meat sauce, combined with the al dente texture of the pasta, make for a truly satisfying meal.

My kids love it when I serve this for dinner, and I love how it brings everyone together around the table. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly and easily this recipe comes together – just brown some ground beef, add in some onions and garlic, and let it simmer with your favorite tomato sauce. The end result is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a weeknight dinner solution, this pasta with meat sauce recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s also relatively healthy compared to other pasta sauces, thanks to the use of lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables. In fact, I often serve it with a side salad or some steamed broccoli to round out the meal.

As you can imagine, our family has put this recipe through its paces over the years – we’ve had it at holidays, at potlucks, and even as a quick lunch on-the-go. But no matter how we serve it or where we are in life, this pasta with meat sauce recipe always hits the spot. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to customize to your tastes – add in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms if you like them, or use different types of cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Pasta with Meat Sauce

4.5 from 1657 votes

A hearty and comforting pasta dish with a rich meat sauce. Perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz spaghetti

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup water

For Serving

grated Parmesan cheese
fresh basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7Drain excess fat.
8Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
9Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
10Pour in water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
11Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
12Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated, ensuring the pasta is evenly covered.
13Serve the pasta with meat sauce hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Watch Video Of How Pasta with Meat Sauce Works

This pasta with meat sauce recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re planning a special occasion or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. One tip is to consider making extra batches and freezing them for future meals – it’s so convenient!

Another idea is to customize your portion sizes based on who’s eating (kids might want smaller portions while adults can enjoy bigger helpings). And don’t forget about storage ideas – these containers are perfect for packing leftovers on-the-go!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta with Meat Sauce

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

The type of pasta you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference. That being said, I find that a good ol’ fashioned spaghetti or linguine works best for this recipe. The long strands hold onto the meat sauce perfectly and make for easy twirling around your fork.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply add in some water or broth as needed to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can brown the ground beef and cook the pasta ahead of time – but wait until just before serving to combine everything with the tomato sauce and cook until heated through.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No – due to the use of ground beef in the meat sauce.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

I’d recommend using fresh tomatoes if possible – but canned will work in a pinch! Just drain excess liquid before adding them to your sauce.

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