There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of spaghetti topped with rich, hearty meat sauce. It’s a classic dish that feels like home, satisfying hunger and warming the soul in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, planning a casual dinner with friends, or batch cooking for the week ahead, spaghetti meat sauce is always a good idea. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples to create a flavorful, slow-simmered sauce that clings perfectly to tender spaghetti noodles. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to achieve a deeply savory and well-balanced meat sauce. Just a few key techniques and quality ingredients turn this everyday recipe into something truly special.
Storage Options
Store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Summary
This spaghetti meat sauce is rich, flavorful, and made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s easy to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The sauce is hearty and loaded with robust flavor thanks to a slow simmer. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that can feed a crowd. It’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. You can customize it with additional vegetables, spices, or proteins.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Can opener
Measuring spoons
Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander
Tips for Success
Use lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease. Let the sauce simmer for at least 20–30 minutes for deeper flavor. Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if needed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
Fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add sugar if desired. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain pasta and return to the pot or plate individually. Spoon the meat sauce over spaghetti and top with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan.
Additional Tips or Variations
Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a plant-based substitute. Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a slightly creamy version. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
