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.
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.