spaghetti with ground beef recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
spaghetti with ground beef recipe
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The Best spaghetti with ground beef recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic spaghetti with ground beef recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made it, I was just learning how to cook and I was amazed by how easy it was to make a delicious meal. The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and spaghetti is just perfect – it’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to assist with. We make it at least once a week, and it’s always a hit. Whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this spaghetti with ground beef is always a good idea. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make – just brown the ground beef, add in some onions and garlic, cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, and then combine everything with your favorite marinara sauce. It’s really that simple! One of the things I love about this recipe is that you can customize it to your liking. Want to add some extra veggies?

Throw in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms. Want to spice things up? Add some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning. The possibilities are endless!

As for where this dish comes from, spaghetti with ground beef is a classic American-Italian fusion recipe that’s been around for decades. It’s believed to have originated from Italian immigrants who brought their love of pasta and meat-based sauces with them to America. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various regional twists and interpretations – but at its core, it remains a simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Spaghetti with Ground Beef

4.6 from 1511 votes

A classic and hearty spaghetti with ground beef sauce, perfect for a family dinner. The rich tomato sauce is simmered with seasoned ground beef and aromatic herbs, then served over al dente spaghetti.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp salt
Water for boiling

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
7Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
10Return the browned ground beef to the skillet.
11Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
12Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
13Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
14Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce.
15Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
16Cook together over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
17Serve the spaghetti and meat sauce immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
18Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. You can also add finely chopped carrots or zucchini to the sauce for extra vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Spaghetti with Ground Beef Works

This spaghetti with ground beef recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – serve it as-is for a hearty meal, or top it with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and texture.

When reheating leftovers, simply toss them in the microwave or oven until they’re hot through – you can even serve them over rice or noodles if you prefer! In terms of storage ideas, I recommend storing leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; simply reheat as needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Q: What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using lean ground beef (80/20 or 70/30) as it will help prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

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

While spaghetti is traditional in this recipe, you can experiment with other long, thin pasta shapes like angel hair or linguine if you prefer.

Q: How long do I cook the spaghetti?

Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time – simply brown the ground beef and cook the spaghetti before combining everything with the marinara sauce.

Q: What if I don’t have marinara sauce on hand?

No worries! You can easily make your own marinara sauce by cooking down fresh tomatoes with some olive oil and herbs.

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