Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A rich, savory meat sauce simmered with herbs and tomatoes, clinging perfectly to tender spaghetti. This hearty Italian-American classic is pure comfort food, ready for your next family dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Meat
- b.Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the pot.
- c.Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until it is browned all over, about 6-8 minutes.
- d.If there is excessive grease, carefully drain most of it from the pot.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build and Simmer the Sauce
- b.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 and beef broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- d.Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- e.Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the sauce simmer for at least 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. A longer simmer develops a richer flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Spaghetti
- b.About 15 minutes before the sauce is finished, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add 1 tbsp of salt to the boiling water, then add the spaghetti.
- d.Cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite), typically 8-10 minutes.
- e.Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Drain the cooked spaghetti well.
- c.Add the drained spaghetti directly into the pot with the meat sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- d.If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help it emulsify and create a silky consistency that clings to the pasta.
- e.Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with a generous amount 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 flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or Italian sausage.
- 2Don't skip simmering the sauce. This step is crucial for developing a deep, complex flavor.
- 3The starchy pasta water is liquid gold! It helps the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the spaghetti strands.
- 4This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick weeknight meal.
- 5Add a splash of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) after browning the meat and let it cook off for a few minutes to add another layer of flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a finely chopped chili pepper with the garlic for a spicier kick.
Veggie LoadedVeggie-Loaded
Sauté 1 finely chopped carrot and 1 celery stalk along with the onion to add extra nutrients and a layer of sweetness to the sauce.
Creamy Meat SauceCreamy Meat Sauce
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Sausage RaguSausage Ragu
Substitute the ground beef with 1 lb of bulk Italian sausage (casings removed). The fennel and herbs in the sausage will add a fantastic new dimension of flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and improved skin health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the pasta provide a steady release of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling meal for active individuals.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this recipe (about 2 cups) contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the leanness of the beef and the amount of cheese used.