Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A rich, savory meat sauce simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and garlic, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This Italian-American classic is a comforting family dinner that's ready in about an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Meat
- b.Add the ground beef to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high.
- c.Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes until it is browned all over and no pink remains.
- d.Carefully drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build and Simmer the Sauce
- b.Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This deepens the tomato flavor.
- c.Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, sugar, 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- d.Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a richer, more developed flavor. Stir occasionally.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Spaghetti
- b.About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add 1 tbsp of salt to the boiling water. This is crucial for seasoning the pasta from within.
- d.Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes).
- e.Before draining, use a mug to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and discard it.
- c.Add the drained spaghetti directly into the pot with the meat sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand.
- d.If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky, clinging sauce.
- e.Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer sauce, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of dry red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) after browning the meat and before adding the tomatoes.
- 2Don't rinse your pasta after draining! The starches on its surface help the sauce adhere beautifully.
- 3Using a combination of ground beef and ground pork or Italian sausage adds another layer of flavor and richness to the sauce.
- 4Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The pre-shredded kind often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- 5The sauce is even better the next day. Make a double batch and enjoy the leftovers.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy arrabbiata-style kick.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Replace the ground beef with 1 lb of chopped cremini mushrooms, a can of brown lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Hidden VeggiesHidden Veggies
Finely chop or grate 1 carrot and 1 celery stalk and sauté them with the onion for added nutrition and sweetness.
Creamy SauceCreamy Sauce
For a richer, creamier finish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the very end of cooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Cooking tomatoes actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the spaghetti provide a primary source of energy for your body and brain, helping to fuel your daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this recipe (about 2 cups) contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef and the amount of cheese used.