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Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

4.8 from 64 reviews

A classic and hearty Spaghetti Meat Sauce featuring lean ground beef simmered with a blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and flavorful herbs. This easy-to-make sauce is perfect for serving over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 sweet onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for cooking beef)

Tomato Sauce Base

  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano, and basil

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (additional)
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the finely diced sweet onion, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt. Crumble the beef as it cooks until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy sauce.
  2. Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano, and basil into the cooked meat mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Season and Simmer: Add the granulated sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, additional ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmer longer if desired to develop deeper flavors. If the sauce begins to boil vigorously or spit, lower the heat accordingly.
  4. Serve: Spoon the hot meat sauce over cooked pasta of your choice. Garnish with chopped parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese if desired for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Drain the cooked beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy sauce.
  • Simmering the sauce longer enhances the flavor and thickens the consistency.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to the seasonings.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Can be served over spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you like.

Keywords: spaghetti meat sauce, ground beef pasta sauce, classic Italian sauce, easy meat sauce recipe, homemade spaghetti sauce