Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe
This Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. Tender spaghetti noodles are topped with a rich, savory meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of Italian herbs. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a quick weeknight dinner, this classic pasta dish is always a winner!
You’ll love the combination of perfectly cooked spaghetti and the savory, slightly tangy meat sauce. The sauce is rich with flavor, thanks to the garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. The tender meatballs or ground beef make each bite satisfying and full of taste.
This Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is quick, easy, and always delicious. The homemade sauce is flavorful and customizable, and the dish can be made in one pot. Plus, it’s a classic meal that appeals to all ages, making it a perfect family favorite!
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet or saucepan for the meat sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer for draining pasta
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients:
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- Salt (for water)
For serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- To serve, plate the cooked spaghetti and spoon the meat sauce generously over the top. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti and meat sauce!
Latest Recipes
- Buffalo Shrimp Pasta
- Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies
- Chocolate Pecan Cookies
- Potatoes, Bacon, and Green Beans Casserole
- Spicy Beef and White Rice
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet or saucepan for the meat sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer for draining pasta
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- For the spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- Salt for water
- For serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Fresh basil or parsley optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- To serve, plate the cooked spaghetti and spoon the meat sauce generously over the top. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti and meat sauce!
Tips for Cooking:
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- For a meatier sauce, add a combination of ground beef and pork, or add in some cooked sausage for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
This Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is a timeless, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The hearty meat sauce is rich and full of flavor, and the combination of pasta and sauce is always satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a cozy dinner for one, this recipe is a classic everyone will enjoy!
If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal, this Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is the perfect choice. With simple ingredients and tons of flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your recipe rotation. Try it out tonight for a satisfying and hearty meal!
