spaghetti meat sauce recipe

spaghetti meat sauce recipe

The Best spaghetti meat sauce recipe

I’ve been making this spaghetti meat sauce recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s a perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I like to think that this recipe has a little bit of Italian nonna magic in it, as it’s been passed down through generations of home cooks.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ground beef and letting it simmer for at least an hour to develop the rich flavors. I also add a splash of red wine to give it a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with just tomato sauce and spices.

When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve it with homemade pasta or garlic bread for an added touch of authenticity. But honestly, this spaghetti meat sauce is just as good served over plain old spaghetti, and the leftovers are always a welcome sight in our fridge for the next day or two.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

4.9 from 506 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a hearty meat sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and takes 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Spaghetti

12 oz spaghetti
salt for boiling water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
4Drain excess fat.
5Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
6Reduce heat to low, let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
7Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
9Add spaghetti, cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
10Reserve some pasta water before draining the spaghetti in a colander.
11Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to help coat the spaghetti evenly.
12Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

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

This spaghetti meat sauce is always a hit with my family, whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends over for a special occasion. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to reheat and serve over pasta or as a dipping sauce for bread.

If you’re looking for ways to store leftovers or plan ahead with meal prep, consider freezing individual portions in ice cube trays or Mason jars. This way, you can easily grab what you need and reheat it without having to cook from scratch every time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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

I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for this recipe, as it will provide the right balance of flavor and texture.

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

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Q: Do I need to use fresh tomatoes or can I use canned tomatoes?

You can use either fresh or canned tomatoes for this recipe. If you’re short on time, canned tomatoes are a convenient alternative.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, depending on how quickly you can chop the onions and garlic.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe for later use?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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