Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe
Spaghetti with meat sauce is a timeless comfort food that’s loved by many for its hearty flavor, simplicity, and satisfying texture. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or making a large batch for a cozy gathering, this recipe delivers bold, delicious flavors in every bite. With savory ground beef, a rich tomato base, and traditional Italian seasoning, this dish is both filling and easy to prepare.
In this recipe, we’ll walk through the steps to create the perfect spaghetti meat sauce from scratch. It uses a blend of canned tomatoes, herbs, and aromatics to build a deeply flavorful sauce that simmers to perfection. Paired with al dente spaghetti and garnished with parsley and Parmesan, it’s a classic that never fails to please.
Let’s dive into the full recipe, with detailed instructions and tips for getting the best results.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 16 ounces spaghetti
For garnish:
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Start by placing a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and begin to break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season it with the salt and black pepper. Cook the beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. This should take about 7 to 8 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to remove any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
2. Add the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and finely chopped green bell pepper directly to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the bell pepper has softened. Stir frequently so they cook evenly.
Next, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned.
3. Incorporate the Tomato Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to fully combine the ingredients and distribute the tomato paste evenly throughout the mixture. The combination of all three tomato forms builds depth and texture in the sauce—crushed tomatoes give body, tomato sauce adds smoothness, and tomato paste intensifies the richness.
4. Season the Sauce
Add the Italian seasoning and granulated sugar. The sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling lightly, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot loosely. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld.
5. Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually about 9 to 11 minutes for al dente.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface helps the sauce cling better.
6. Combine and Serve
Taste the meat sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add a pinch more salt or pepper if desired.
To serve, either mix the spaghetti directly into the sauce for a fully combined dish or serve the noodles topped with generous ladles of sauce.
Finish each plate with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Use quality ground beef
An 80/20 blend of ground beef offers the best balance of flavor and moisture. Too lean, and the meat can turn dry and grainy; too fatty, and the sauce can become greasy.
Chop vegetables uniformly
For the best texture in the sauce, chop the onion and bell pepper finely and evenly. This ensures they cook quickly and melt into the sauce instead of standing out too much.
Simmer low and slow
While the sauce can be ready in 30 minutes, letting it simmer longer (even up to an hour) helps deepen the flavor. If you have the time, it’s worth the wait.
Don’t skip the tomato paste
Tomato paste is concentrated and adds a deep umami flavor that ties the sauce together. It also helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Season in layers
Salting the beef as it cooks and then seasoning the sauce ensures every part of the dish is flavorful. Don’t wait until the end to season everything.
Salt your pasta water well
A good rule of thumb: the water should taste like the sea. Salting your water properly is the only chance you have to season the pasta itself.
Don’t overcook the pasta
Keep the spaghetti al dente. Overcooked noodles turn mushy and won’t hold up well when mixed with the hearty sauce.
Use fresh herbs if you can
While dried Italian seasoning works great, adding fresh basil or oregano at the end of cooking will elevate the dish even more.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This meat sauce is excellent for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator:
Store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
You can freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a bit of water or broth to loosen it.
For pasta leftovers:
Store the spaghetti and sauce separately if possible to keep the noodles from becoming soggy.
Variations and Additions
This recipe is a classic base, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are some variations to try:
Add vegetables:
Mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded carrots can be added for extra nutrition and texture.
Make it spicy:
Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for some heat.
Swap the protein:
Use ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or a mix of beef and pork for different flavor profiles.
Go gluten-free:
Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding wheat. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
Make it cheesy:
Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or ricotta near the end of cooking for a creamy finish.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti with meat sauce is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s comforting, rich, and endlessly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a homemade sauce that rivals any restaurant version.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for leftovers to enjoy all week, this recipe is a solid go-to. Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a full meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
This dish is proof that the best meals don’t need to be complicated—they just need to be made with care.