Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Classic Italian-inspired spaghetti with rich meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. A comforting, simple dish perfect for family meals and gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large skillet or Dutch oven for cooking meat sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or half beef half Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef (and sausage if using) and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the meat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add dried oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Reduce heat to low and cover. Let the sauce simmer for at least 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally for richer flavor.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for added flavor.
- Simmer sauce longer for richer taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stove or microwave before serving.