Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

There are few dishes as universally comforting and deeply satisfying as a bowl of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. This classic recipe transcends generations, cultures, and culinary skill levels—offering warmth, nostalgia, and pure home-cooked delight. Whether it’s served on a busy weeknight, a cozy rainy evening, or at a family gathering, the aroma of simmering meat sauce infused with tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs has a way of bringing everyone to the table.
This recipe blends simplicity with rich, bold flavors. The meat sauce simmers gently, developing a hearty depth of flavor that clings lovingly to each strand of al dente spaghetti. It’s rustic, satisfying, and beautifully timeless—a recipe every home cook should have in their repertoire.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it takes basic, humble ingredients—ground meat, tomatoes, onions, pasta—and transforms them into something incredibly comforting and restaurant-worthy. It never fails to deliver rich flavor, warmth, and the kind of satisfaction only hearty Italian-inspired cooking can provide.
What I love most is its versatility. You can make the sauce thick or smooth, mild or spicy, rich or light. Every family can adapt this to their taste, yet the essence remains a perfectly balanced, comforting bowl of pasta. It’s also a meal that reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it checks all the boxes of a perfect home-cooked meal:

• Perfect for beginners – simple steps, minimal fuss, guaranteed delicious.
• Crowd-pleaser – loved by kids, adults, and picky eaters alike.
• Budget-friendly – made with pantry staples.
• Customizable – works with beef, turkey, chicken, sausage, or plant-based meat.
• Ideal for batch cooking – sauce freezes wonderfully.
• Pure comfort food – familiar, warm, and deeply satisfying.

No matter your cooking experience or flavor preference, this recipe always delivers.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approx. 520 calories per serving (including pasta)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix beef & pork)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely grated (optional sweetness)
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional for sauce)

For the Spaghetti

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
• Water for boiling
• Salt (1 tbsp for pasta water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

For Serving

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Quick Directions

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in olive oil.
2. Add ground beef; cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and broth.
4. Season and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
6. Toss spaghetti with sauce or serve sauce on top.
7. Garnish with cheese and herbs.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Mix in grated carrot; cook until softened.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

5. Add ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon.
6. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
7. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

8. Add tomato paste; stir for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
9. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
10. Add oregano, basil, thyme, chili flakes, and sugar.
11. Stir well and bring sauce to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor

12. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes until thickened.
13. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs.
14. Stir in fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

15. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
16. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
17. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
18. Drain pasta.

Step 6: Combine

19. Toss spaghetti in meat sauce OR plate spaghetti and ladle sauce on top.
20. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for consistency.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve hot topped with fresh Parmesan, chopped parsley/basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Pair with:
  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Roasted vegetables
• Serve with a glass of red wine like Chianti for an authentic Italian experience.

Tips for This Recipe

• Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the richest flavor.
• Browning the meat well adds deep caramelized flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine while browning the meat for richness.
• Simmer longer (up to 1 hour) for deeper flavor.
• Add 1–2 tbsp butter to finish for a silky sauce.
• Don’t rinse pasta—starch helps sauce cling better.

Variations

1. Spicy Meat Sauce

Add extra chili flakes or a chopped red chili.

2. Turkey or Chicken Bolognese

Use lean turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

3. Sausage Meat Sauce

Replace half the beef with Italian sausage for richer flavor.

4. Vegetable-Loaded Version

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

5. Creamy Tomato Meat Sauce

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or mascarpone at the end.

6. Vegan Option

Use plant-based ground “meat” and vegetable broth.

Freezing & Storage Time

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
• Spaghetti and sauce should be stored separately to avoid sogginess.

Freezer

• Sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
• Freeze in meal-sized portions for easy weeknight dinners.
• Thaw overnight and reheat over low heat.

To Reheat

• Warm sauce in a saucepan; add a splash of broth or water if thick.
• Reheat pasta by dipping in hot water for 30 seconds.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Large pasta pot
• Strainer/colander
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups/spoons

Conclusion

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a timeless, soul-satisfying dish that combines rich flavors, comforting textures, and pure homemade warmth. With its versatility, simplicity, and ability to feed a crowd, it deserves a place in every kitchen. Whether you're preparing a cozy dinner for your family or cooking for guests, this recipe guarantees a delicious, heartwarming meal that never goes out of style. Enjoy every bite!