Here’s a classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce recipe 🍝—hearty, comforting, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme or parsley
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook meat
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics
- Stir in onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the sauce
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine and serve
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Richer flavor: Add a splash of red wine while simmering.
- Vegetables: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Slow cooker: Brown meat and sauté onions first, then simmer with sauce ingredients in slow cooker 4–6 hours on LOW.
- Meatless version: Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat.
If you want, I can also give a super quick 20-minute version that’s perfect for weeknights but still full of flavor.
Do you want me to do that version?
Here’s a classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce recipe 🍝—hearty, comforting, and easy to make.I
