great spaghetti meat sauce recipe

The Best great spaghetti meat sauce recipe

I’ve been making this great spaghetti meat sauce recipe for years, and it’s a staple in my household. It’s a classic Italian dish that never goes out of style, and I love how it’s so easy to customize to your taste.

My kids are picky eaters, but they always devour this sauce, and I appreciate how healthy it is, too. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like fresh ground beef and real tomatoes.

I like to use a mix of beef broth and red wine to give it that deep, rich flavor. My family loves when I serve it with some crusty bread on the side – it’s the perfect comfort food.

I’ve also found that this sauce freezes beautifully, so I can make a big batch and store it for later. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I need a quick dinner solution.

My husband is particularly fond of the way the flavors meld together after it’s been simmering all day. He says it’s the secret to any good pasta sauce, and I couldn’t agree more.

Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

4.7 from 1307 votes

A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish with a rich meat sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 can 6 oz tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Spaghetti

12 oz spaghetti
salt for pasta water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil.
2Add a generous amount of salt.
3Boil the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5Be sure to reserve some pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed.
6While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
8Add the ground beef to the skillet.
9Stir and break up the meat into small pieces.
10Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
11Drain excess fat if necessary, but do not empty the skillet.
12Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
13Add the red wine and cook until the liquid has almost fully evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
14Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil to the skillet.
15Stir well to combine.
16Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
17The sauce is ready when it has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
18Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce if needed.
19If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with some reserved pasta water.
20If it is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes.
21Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce.
22Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
23If needed, add a little pasta water to help distribute the sauce.
24Serve the spaghetti with meat sauce hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 60g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste. You can also use ground turkey or a mix of ground meats for a different flavor profile.

This great spaghetti meat sauce recipe has become a staple in our household over the years – not only because my kids love it but also because it’s so easy to customize and serve with various sides.

One trick I’ve learned is storing leftover sauce in small freezer-safe containers so we can grab-and-go on busy nights when we need something quick and delicious.

It also reheats beautifully from frozen, which makes meal prep a breeze during those hectic weeknights.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Q: What type of beef works best in this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you want to use high-quality ground beef with at least 80% lean meat content. The fat content will help keep the meat juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

A: While traditionalists may swear by spaghetti, you can experiment with other types of pasta like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary depending on the shape and size of your noodles.

Q: How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?

A: If stored properly in an airtight container, this sauce will keep for up to five days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to three months – just thaw it slowly in the fridge or reheat it from frozen when you’re ready.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

A: Unfortunately, no – due to the inclusion of ground beef, this recipe isn’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, you could try substituting with plant-based protein sources like tempeh or seitan if you’re looking for a meat-free alternative.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes! This sauce actually improves with time – just let it simmer all day while you’re at work or running errands. When you get home, finish off the dish by adding your preferred seasonings and serving hot.

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