The Ultimate Comfort Food
Imagine sitting down to a warm plate of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, the rich aroma of garlic and tomatoes filling the air. The tender noodles coated in a savory, slow-simmered meat sauce make every bite comforting and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a satisfying homemade dinner, this dish is a timeless favorite that never disappoints.
This recipe is simple yet full of rich flavors. The combination of ground beef (or Italian sausage), onion, tomato sauce, and classic Italian seasonings creates a sauce that is both hearty and deeply satisfying.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Classic & Comforting – A timeless dish that everyone loves.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
✔️ Rich & Flavorful – Slow-simmered sauce enhances the taste.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples.
✔️ Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for a rich and flavorful dish.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (or mix of beef & Italian sausage) | 1 lb |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato sauce | 2 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Spaghetti noodles | 12 oz |
| Olive oil (for sautéing) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves (optional) |
Optional Garnishes & Toppings
| Topping | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Parmesan cheese | Adds richness |
| Fresh basil | Enhances freshness |
| Red pepper flakes | Adds heat |
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make this Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or saucepan – For cooking the meat sauce.
- Large pot – For boiling the spaghetti.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce.
- Strainer – To drain the pasta.
- Measuring cups & spoons – For accuracy in seasoning.
How to Make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
1. Cook the Meat
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease and add chopped onions.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes, then stir in minced garlic (if using).
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
4. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
The Secret to a Rich and Flavorful Meat Sauce
✔️ Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra depth of flavor.
✔️ Simmer the sauce for at least 20 minutes to enhance richness.
✔️ Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce for a silkier texture.
✔️ Let the flavors meld overnight—it tastes even better the next day!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
| Ingredient | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey or chicken |
| Tomato sauce | Crushed tomatoes |
| Italian seasoning | Basil, oregano, thyme mix |
| Worcestershire sauce | Balsamic vinegar |
How to Cook Spaghetti Noodles Perfectly
- Use plenty of water – Prevents sticking.
- Salt the water generously – Enhances flavor.
- Stir occasionally – Keeps noodles from clumping.
- Don’t overcook – Aim for al dente texture.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Spaghetti
🍞 Garlic Bread – Crispy, buttery, and perfect for dipping.
🥗 Caesar Salad – Light and refreshing contrast.
🧄 Roasted Vegetables – Adds extra nutrition.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water.
Nutritional Information Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 15g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce tastes even better the next day.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use blanched and pureed fresh tomatoes for a homemade touch.
3. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add more tomato paste.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Now that you know how to make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, it’s time to give it a try! This classic, comforting meal is perfect for any occasion.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: A Classic, Hearty, and Flavorful Dish
This classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. With a slow-simmered meat sauce made from ground beef, tomato sauce, and Italian seasonings, this dish is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef & Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- Water (for boiling)
- Salt (for seasoning pasta water)
Optional Garnishes & Toppings:
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease and add chopped onions.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes, then stir in minced garlic (if using).
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 20 minutes to enhance richness.
- Adding a splash of pasta water to the sauce creates a silkier texture.
- The sauce tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.