Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 11, 2025

Featured in: Main Dishes

Few dinners compare to the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of spaghetti combined with a rich, savory meat sauce. This dish brings together the simplicity of pantry staples with the warmth and heartiness of slow-simmered Italian flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for family meals or casual gatherings.

The harmony of tender pasta and deeply flavored sauce is a timeless combination that evokes home-cooked goodness with every bite. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a more deliberate Sunday feast, this recipe delivers satisfying taste with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses simple pantry ingredients yet offers deep, rich flavor from slow simmering.
Flexible with ground beef or a mix of beef and Italian sausage for added depth.
Classic Italian-inspired dish everyone in your family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Spaghetti (1 lb): Classic long pasta strands that hold the meaty sauce beautifully for a satisfying bite.
Ground beef or half beef, half Italian sausage (1 lb): Provides rich, savory meatiness and optional spice from sausage for robust flavor.
Medium onion, diced (1): Adds sweetness and depth when softened alongside garlic in the sauce base.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Imparts pungent aromatic flavor critical to any Italian-style meat sauce.
Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Forms the hearty, thick foundation of the sauce with natural sweetness and acidity.
Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Adds smooth texture and deepens the tomato flavor of the sauce.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for a rich consistency.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Earthy herb that delivers classic Italian seasoning notes to the sauce.
Dried basil (1 tsp): Adds sweet, fragrant undertones essential for authentic Italian taste.
Italian seasoning (½ tsp): Blend of herbs boosting the overall complexity of the flavor profile.
Sugar (1 tsp): Balances tomato acidity with gentle sweetness for smooth flavor.
Salt (½ tsp or to taste): Enhances all flavors and seasons the sauce perfectly.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a touch of heat and enhances savory notes.
Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Offers subtle spiciness for those who love a little kick.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to brown meat and gently sauté aromatics for a flavorful base.
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish: Brightens the finished dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Adds a salty, nutty richness to top the pasta enticingly.

Instructions

Cook the pasta to al dente perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti just until tender yet firm to the bite. This ensures the noodles hold their texture when tossed with the robust sauce.
Brown the meat thoroughly: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add ground beef or beef-sausage mix. Cook while breaking up the meat to develop a deep brown color, which adds rich flavor. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the sauce from being greasy.
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned meat, cooking gently for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and aromatic. This step builds the savory base that carries through the sauce.
Combine tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste for a luscious body. Then add dried oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to blend all flavors for even seasoning.
Simmer the sauce slowly: Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken, creating a rich and hearty texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve with garnish and cheese: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the finished sauce or pile the sauce on top. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley or basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a beautifully balanced and satisfying meal.

You Must Know

For the best flavor, simmer your sauce for at least 30 minutes; longer simmering intensifies the taste.
Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasy sauce.
Use fresh grated Parmesan for optimal flavor, not pre-grated powder.

Storage Tips

Store leftover sauce and cooked spaghetti separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This spaghetti and meat sauce pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli on the side to add freshness and balance.

Professional Tips

For more complex flavor, brown the meat well and don’t rush the simmering process.
Mixing half Italian sausage with ground beef adds savory spice and texture variety.
Always salt your pasta water generously; it seasons the spaghetti internally and enhances taste.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?: Yes, any pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works well with meat sauce and offers a different texture experience.
Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time?: Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and often tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?: Replace the meat with plant-based ground crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth for added richness.
What can I use to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?: Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid or stir in additional tomato paste to thicken and intensify flavor.
Can I freeze leftover sauce?: Yes, the sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.