Name: Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1 extra-large red onion, peeled and diced (about 2 cups); 7-8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon dried oregano or Italian Seasoning; 2 – 28 ounce cans tomato sauce; 1 – 28 ounce can crushed tomato; ½ cup chopped fresh basil; 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, if needed); Salt and pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a rich, flavorful classic that brings together Italian sausage, ground beef, and a medley of tomatoes for a hearty meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this sauce simmers slowly to develop deep, comforting flavors.

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti layered with a rich red-brown meat sauce mixed with small bits of tomato and onion. On top of the spaghetti is a sprinkle of finely grated white cheese, and two small bright green basil leaves add color at the center. Resting at the edge of the plate is a golden-yellow piece of garlic bread with a slightly crispy texture. The background shows a blue pot partially filled with more sauce and a white marbled surface beneath everything. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1 extra-large red onion, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
7-8 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon dried oregano (or Italian Seasoning)
2 – 28 ounce cans tomato sauce
1 – 28 ounce can crushed tomato
½ cup chopped fresh basil
1-2 tablespoons sugar (if needed)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Set a heavy-bottomed 6-quart sauce pot over medium heat. Add the butter and diced onions. Stir and soften the onions for 5-8 minutes, reducing heat to medium-low if they start to brown.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, and dried oregano. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until well browned.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Cover and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce is ready after 30 minutes but can simmer longer for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the fresh chopped basil. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and stir well.
Step 5: Serve warm over your favorite pasta.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier sauce, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the oregano.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Adding a splash of red wine during cooking can enhance the richness of the sauce.
Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil if needed, but add it earlier in the cooking process for better flavor infusion.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with spaghetti coated in red meat sauce, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated white cheese and two bright green basil leaves placed in the center. Resting on the edge of the bowl is a single piece of golden, toasted garlic bread. The background shows a white marbled surface and a blurry blue pot behind the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate or freeze as needed.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can be used but should be peeled and cooked down into a sauce consistency. Canned tomatoes provide a more consistent texture and flavor for this recipe.