Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
If you’re in search of the perfect comforting dinner, Spaghetti Meat Sauce truly delivers with its hearty texture, robust flavors, and classic Italian-American vibe. This dish has a timeless appeal, filling the kitchen with an aroma that promises something special is simmering on the stove. From the deep, savory notes of garlic and onion to that bright burst of tomato and the subtle kick of herbs, every bite brings pure nostalgia and comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a week of easy meals, nothing feels quite as homey as a big bowl of pasta smothered with Spaghetti Meat Sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spaghetti Meat Sauce comes together with just a handful of kitchen staples, each one playing a crucial role in creating a rich and balanced sauce. Simple ingredients, yes, but they are thoughtfully chosen to layer depth and bring out the best classic flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Olive Oil: Gives the sauce a silky base and helps bring out the aromas of the aromatics as they cook.
- Ground Beef: Adds meaty richness and heartiness to thicken the sauce and turn it into a meal.
- Onion (finely chopped): Lends sweetness and complexity to the flavor, mellowing as it cooks.
- Garlic (minced): Provides a punch of aromatic depth for that unmistakable Italian taste.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The juicy, tangy backbone of your Spaghetti Meat Sauce, delivering both body and flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Adds extra tomato richness and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Italian seasoning for that herby, earthy note every pasta sauce needs.
- Dried Basil: Brings gentle sweetness and freshness to the mix.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle heat underpinning the sauce—add as much or as little as you like!
- Sugar: A little is all you need to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Beef Stock: Infuses extra savory depth and makes the sauce flavor-forward and irresistibly silky.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together—don’t skip the tasting at the end!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving): For a perfect salty, nutty finish on each serving.
- Cooked Spaghetti Noodles: The ideal pasta shape to soak up all that luscious meat sauce.
How to Make Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and there are lots of tasty bits sticking to the bottom. This caramelization is what gives your Spaghetti Meat Sauce an incredible depth of flavor. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the browned beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and the whole kitchen is filled with that irresistible garlicky aroma. This phase is where the sauce’s savory base develops, so don’t rush it—it’s worth an extra minute.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Now it’s time to pour in crushed tomatoes, dollop in the tomato paste, and stir everything to combine. Add the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and the sugar. This mix of tomatoes and herbs is what gives Spaghetti Meat Sauce its unmistakable character—rich, tangy, and wonderfully complex.
Step 4: Simmer with Stock
Stir in the cup of beef stock, then season everything with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it bubble slowly for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and let the flavors meld while the sauce thickens. This gives you that signature, velvety texture and taste that’s so comforting.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Just before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle the hot Spaghetti Meat Sauce generously over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, then shower it all with a blanket of grated Parmesan cheese. That first twirl of pasta loaded with savory sauce is downright magical!
How to Serve Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of Parm is a must, but don’t stop there! Fresh basil leaves add a bright, fragrant touch, while a bit of chopped parsley brings color and freshness. Crushed red pepper, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or even a few shavings of pecorino can elevate each plate of Spaghetti Meat Sauce for something extra special.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or go full comfort with garlicky breadsticks or toasted focaccia. Roasted vegetables add color and balance, and a glass of red wine never hurts alongside a classic like Spaghetti Meat Sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Sometimes, it’s fun to switch things up! Try serving the sauce over zucchini noodles or creamy polenta for a fresh twist. Or, plate your Spaghetti Meat Sauce in individual ramekins, topped with Parmesan and broiled for a bubbly, golden finish—fancy enough for guests, but still soul-warming comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spaghetti Meat Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making next-day pasta lunches or easy dinners a total treat. Just remember to separate the sauce from the pasta for optimal texture.
Freezing
This sauce is fantastic for batch cooking and freezing! Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Label with the date, and your Spaghetti Meat Sauce will keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Reheating
Gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s piping hot. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of water or beef stock to loosen it up. For a quick lunch, the microwave works as well—just cover the bowl and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a mix of meats in my Spaghetti Meat Sauce?
Absolutely! Swapping in some ground pork or Italian sausage with the beef intensifies the umami richness and brings new layers to the sauce. Just keep the total amount the same, and you’ll love the added complexity.
How can I make the sauce smoother for picky eaters?
If you prefer a velvety, seedless sauce, use a blender to puree the crushed tomatoes before adding them. For an extra-smooth finish, an immersion blender can be used right in the pot after simmering (just be careful—hot sauce can splatter!).
What can I do if my Spaghetti Meat Sauce is too thin?
Simmering for a longer time with the lid off will thicken the sauce naturally. If you’re in a hurry, a spoonful of tomato paste will help, or simply let it rest off the heat for a few minutes—sauces tend to thicken as they cool slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The meat sauce itself is naturally gluten-free; just be sure to serve it over gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles if you’re avoiding wheat. Double-check that your beef stock and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I make Spaghetti Meat Sauce in advance?
Yes, and it’s actually better when made ahead! The flavors deepen and blend over time, so feel free to prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve. It’s a reliable choice for easy entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, family-favorite meal, Spaghetti Meat Sauce is always a winning option. Classic, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for Sunday suppers or quick weeknight feasts. Gather your ingredients, simmer up a pot, and let this meal become a beloved tradition at your table!
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Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and hearty spaghetti meat sauce recipe that is perfect for a comforting meal. This flavorful sauce is made with ground beef, tomatoes, herbs, and spices, served over a bed of cooked spaghetti noodles and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Main Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup beef stock
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Serving:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Cooked spaghetti noodles
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown ground beef, and drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Saute onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, spices, sugar, and stock. Simmer.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, serve over cooked spaghetti, and top with Parmesan.
Notes
- You can substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork for a richer flavor.
- For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before cooking.
- This sauce freezes well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup with pasta
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
