beef spaghetti sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best beef spaghetti sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share this beef spaghetti sauce recipe with you, it’s one of my family’s favorite dishes and for good reason. This hearty sauce is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices that will transport you straight to Italy.

I love how the flavors all come together to create a rich, meaty taste that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My kids always ask for this dish when they’re feeling hungry, and it’s easy to see why – the combination of tender beef and savory sauce is unbeatable.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how quick and easy this recipe is to make, and how well it freezes for later use. In fact, I like to make a big batch of this sauce and then portion it out into individual servings for future meals.

This way, I can simply reheat it when we’re in a hurry, and my family never has to miss out on this delicious meal. One of the things I love most about this recipe is the way it brings everyone together – whether we’re having a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is always a hit.

And let’s not forget the health benefits – with lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious. So if you’re looking for a new favorite recipe that’s both easy and delicious, look no further!

This beef spaghetti sauce recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

Classic Beef Spaghetti Sauce

4.7 from 1046 votes

A hearty and flavorful beef spaghetti sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal with spaghetti.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time75 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

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

For Serving

1 lb spaghetti
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4Add the ground beef to the skillet.
5Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat if necessary.
7Pour in the red wine and cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
8Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.
9Stir well to combine.
10Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11For even more developed flavors, simmer for up to 2 hours, adding a little water if the sauce becomes too thick.
12While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
13Reserve some pasta water before draining.
14Once the sauce has finished simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
15Remove the bay leaf.
16Serve the beef spaghetti sauce over the cooked spaghetti, tossing to combine.
17Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves.
18If needed, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Stove
Large pot
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste. You can also use a mix of ground meats, such as beef and pork, for added flavor.

I’ve been making this beef spaghetti sauce recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress. It’s become one of our family’s go-to meals for special occasions like holidays or birthdays – but it’s also perfect for weeknight dinners when we need something quick and easy.

The best part? It freezes beautifully so we can enjoy it whenever we want.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Spaghetti Sauce

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

I prefer to use lean ground beef for this recipe, as it provides a better flavor and texture than fattier options. However, feel free to use whatever type of beef you prefer – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes! This sauce freezes beautifully and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to six months.

Q: How do I serve this dish?

This sauce is perfect over spaghetti noodles, but feel free to get creative with other pasta shapes or even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or pizza.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, unfortunately not – the main ingredient in this recipe is ground beef. However, if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider substituting with roasted vegetables or mushrooms.

Q: Can I add any additional ingredients to this sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to give the sauce an extra boost of flavor. Some options include oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes.

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