simple spaghetti meat sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple spaghetti meat sauce recipe

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

My kids love it when I serve it with spaghetti, but we also enjoy it as a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make.

Simply brown the ground beef, add in some onions and garlic, and then simmer the sauce until it’s thick and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion like a holiday or birthday party.

We often serve it at family gatherings and everyone always asks for the recipe. I think what I love most about this dish is that it’s not only delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy compared to some other meat-based sauces.

The tomatoes provide a good dose of vitamin C, and the beef gives us a boost of protein to keep us full and satisfied. My family loves when I serve this sauce over spaghetti, but we also enjoy it with other types of pasta or even as a topping for baked potatoes or zucchini noodles.

This recipe is truly a classic and one that I’ll continue to make for years to come.

Simple Spaghetti Meat Sauce

4.6 from 1931 votes

A classic and comforting dish featuring spaghetti topped with a hearty meat sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

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
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳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, stirring occasionally.
3Drain and set aside.
4While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat.
7Add onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
9Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
10Stir well to combine.
11Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
13Serve the cooked spaghetti topped with the meat sauce.
Enjoy immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
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 substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef to change up the flavors.

Watch Video Of How Simple Spaghetti Meat Sauce Works

This simple spaghetti meat sauce recipe is one that never fails to impress my family and guests alike. It’s easy to make ahead of time, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

When reheating, just add some water if necessary and simmer until heated through. Serve over spaghetti or other types of pasta, or use as a topping for baked potatoes or zucchini noodles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti Meat Sauce

1

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

I recommend using 80/20 or 70/30 lean ground beef for this recipe. The higher fat content will give the sauce a richer flavor.

2

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

Yes, you can use ground turkey or pork as substitutes in this recipe. Just be aware that the flavor may be slightly different.

3

How long do I simmer the sauce?

Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

4

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

5

What if I don’t have canned tomatoes? Can I use fresh tomatoes instead?

You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes, but be aware that you’ll need to cook them down longer to achieve the same consistency.

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