ground beef spaghetti sauce recipe

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

I’ve been making this ground beef spaghetti sauce recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The rich flavor and tender texture of the meat sauce make it a staple in our household.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to assist with. They enjoy learning about the different ingredients and how they come together to create a delicious meal.

As for me, I love that this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit our tastes. We often serve it with spaghetti or ziti, but it’s also great over rice or as a topping for baked potatoes.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, made with lean ground beef and packed with vegetables. This recipe has become a go-to in our household, and I’m confident it will be in yours too.

Classic Ground Beef Spaghetti Sauce

4.8 from 1446 votes

A hearty and flavorful ground beef spaghetti sauce perfect for a family dinner. This classic recipe combines beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables for a rich and satisfying meal.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

12 oz spaghetti

For the Sauce

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add ground beef to the skillet.
4Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
5Drain excess fat.
6Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
7Pour in water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
8Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
10While the sauce is simmering, cook spaghetti according to package instructions in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
11Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti in a colander.
12Toss the cooked spaghetti with the ground beef sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
13Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Pot
Colander

📊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: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.

This ground beef spaghetti sauce recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients – what more could you ask for?

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or using it as a topping for baked potatoes or rice bowls, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Spaghetti Sauce

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

For this recipe, you’ll want to use lean ground beef with a fat content of around 90%. This will help keep the sauce moist and prevent it from becoming too greasy.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you use.

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

This sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to store it for longer than that, it’s best to freeze it.

Q: Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this sauce in a slow cooker! Simply brown the ground beef and cook the vegetables before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil? Can I use dried basil instead?

You can substitute dried basil for fresh basil in this recipe, but keep in mind that the flavor may not be as vibrant. Use about half the amount of dried basil as you would fresh basil.

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