spaghetti with meat recipe

The Best spaghetti with meat recipe

I’ve been making spaghetti with meat sauce for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love it because it’s a classic comfort food that never gets old. As for me, I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – we can have it for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion like a holiday gathering.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to customize to your tastes. I like to add in some extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to make it a bit healthier, but you can also add in some meatballs or sausage if you prefer. One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is that it’s actually pretty good for you – the tomatoes are full of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that can help protect against cell damage.

Plus, the ground beef is a good source of protein and iron. When I’m feeling particularly stressed, there’s nothing like coming home from a long day and knowing that I have a big pot of spaghetti waiting for me in the fridge. It’s just one of those dishes that makes everything better, you know?

My family and I have enjoyed this recipe so much over the years that we’ve even started making our own pasta from scratch – there’s something so satisfying about watching the dough come together and then seeing the final product on our plates. Of course, we always use store-bought pasta too – there’s no shame in taking a shortcut when you’re short on time! But when we do make our own pasta, we love watching the kids help with the process – they get such a kick out of seeing the dough turn into actual noodles.

It’s just one of those simple joys in life that never gets old.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

4.6 from 617 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring spaghetti pasta and a rich meat sauce. This classic recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

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 large onion
2 cloves garlic
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For Serving

Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat.
7Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook with the beef until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
8Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
9Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
10Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
11Divide the cooked spaghetti among plates and ladle the meat sauce over the top.
12Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon

📊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 to taste. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Watch Video Of How Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Works

This spaghetti with meat sauce recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m so glad I can share it with all of you today.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or something more substantial for a special occasion, this recipe delivers every time.

And don’t even get me started on how well it freezes – simply portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers and thaw as needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Q: What kind of meat should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use any type of ground meat you like – beef, pork, turkey, or even vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh work well too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can also try using ground chicken or turkey breast.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time – simply cook the spaghetti and meat sauce separately and then combine them just before serving. You can also store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

Q: How do I prevent my spaghetti from becoming mushy?

A: The key is to not overcook your spaghetti – cook it until it’s al dente (firm in the center) and then serve immediately. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to your water while cooking the spaghetti to help prevent it from sticking together.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Some ideas include adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients, or using different types of cheese like mozzarella or parmesan instead of cheddar.

Q: How do I reheat leftover spaghetti?

A: You can reheat leftover spaghetti in the microwave by covering it with a damp paper towel and heating on high for 30-60 seconds at a time until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop by adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

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