Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Introduction

Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is one of those timeless comfort meals that never goes out of style. Tender spaghetti noodles are coated in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce simmered with ground beef, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s hearty, filling, and full of flavor—a dish that feels like home no matter where you are.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, or whenever you’re craving a warm, satisfying plate of pasta. Simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and versatile. The meat sauce is rich and flavorful, clinging to every strand of spaghetti for the perfect bite. It’s a dish that pleases kids and adults alike, making it a go-to family favorite.

Another reason I love it is that it’s so customizable—you can keep it simple with pantry staples, or elevate it with fresh herbs, red wine, or Parmesan. And the best part? The sauce tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic comfort food loved around the world.
• Budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
• Family-friendly and kid-approved.
• Perfect for leftovers—the sauce gets richer with time.
• Flexible recipe—works with different meats, seasonings, and pasta shapes.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~480 per serving

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1 tsp oregano + 1 tsp basil)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup beef broth or red wine (optional, for depth)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
3. Add tomatoes, sauce, paste, seasonings, and broth.
4. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until thickened.
5. Toss spaghetti with sauce or serve topped with sauce.
6. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, tossing with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
• Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Add chopped onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).
• Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
• Add sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Pour in beef broth or red wine if using.

Step 5: Simmer

• Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

• Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, or plate spaghetti and ladle sauce on top.
• Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor.
• Pair with a glass of red wine (like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon) for a true Italian-style meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the simmering time—it deepens the flavor.
• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
• Always salt your pasta water—it flavors the pasta from within.

Variations

1. Spaghetti Bolognese Style – Add finely chopped carrots, celery, and a splash of milk.
2. Turkey Spaghetti – Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
3. Spicy Spaghetti – Add more chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
4. Vegetarian Spaghetti – Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles instead of meat.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Pasta is best stored separately.
• Freezer: Freeze sauce (without pasta) in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
• Reheating: Warm sauce on the stovetop and add freshly cooked pasta.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet or saucepan (for sauce)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Conclusion

Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that everyone should know how to make. With a flavorful, simmered tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s simple yet delicious, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. This dish brings warmth to the table, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

Print Recipe

Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Dinner, Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 6 Calories: 480 per serving

Description

Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is one of those timeless comfort meals that never goes out of style. Tender spaghetti noodles are coated in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce simmered with ground beef, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1 tsp oregano + 1 tsp basil)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup beef broth or red wine (optional, for depth)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.Drain and set aside, tossing with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Brown the Meat : Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics : Add chopped onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Build the Sauce : Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.Add sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.Pour in beef broth or red wine if using.
5. Step 5: Simmer : Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Combine & Serve : Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, or plate spaghetti and ladle sauce on top.Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Keywords: Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce