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Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a hearty, classic dish that’s ideal for weeknight meals or family gatherings. This version combines the richness of ground beef with the bright acidity of San Marzano tomatoes and a touch of wine, creating a sauce with depth and balance. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld, and finishing with fresh herbs provides a vibrant lift. Paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish offers simplicity and satisfaction in every bite.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

I don’t know why Apple Pie, Cheeseburgers, and Hot Dogs are considered the quintessential “American” food, when I bet if you took a poll one of the most frequently eaten quick dinners in the US would be a simple spaghetti and meat sauce.

Just look at the massive amount of jarred sauce in every single grocery store. Nearly half an aisle is taken up by every type of sauce imaginable, in every different price range.

While there are some decent jarred sauces available, making your own sauce is so easy, and it tastes so much better than anything you’ll get off the shelf.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Easy to Prepare: Straightforward ingredients and simple steps make it ideal for beginners.
  • Comforting and Filling: Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
  • Versatile: Swap in ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist.
  • Deep Flavor: Red wine and simmered tomatoes give the sauce a rich taste.
  • Freezes Well: Make extra sauce and freeze it for a quick meal later.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ground Beef
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Whole Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes
  • Tomato Sauce (Contadina or Hunts recommended)
  • Red Wine (Pinot Noir or Cabernet)
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Spaghetti
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

How to make homemade Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Looking to see what you’re getting into here? Below is a general overview of the recipe steps. When you’re cooking, make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions.

How to Make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then stir in garlic for an additional minute.
  2. Brown the Meat: Cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, draining any excess fat.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add the sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and wine to the browned beef. Break up the whole tomatoes with a spatula, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Simmer: Let the sauce cook gently for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally and tasting to adjust seasoning.
  5. Cook the Pasta & Serve: Boil spaghetti until just shy of al dente, drain, and top with the meat sauce. Add parmesan if desired.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

FAQ

Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, the sauce tastes even better after sitting for a day. You can make it a few days in advance and refrigerate it.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store the meat sauce and cooked spaghetti separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How Do I Reheat the Sauce?

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Can I Freeze This Sauce?

Absolutely. Transfer the cooled sauce to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?

Ground turkey or Italian sausage are great alternatives for a lighter or spicier version of the dish.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Serve This With…

  • Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter complements the pasta.
  • Caesar Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the sauce.
  • Red Wine: Pair with the same wine used in the sauce, like Pinot Noir or Cabernet.

Our easy, homemade spaghetti with meat sauce is a satisfying and practical meal that’s easy to make, whether for a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner. The sauce’s deep flavor develops beautifully with time, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can enjoy a filling dish that the whole family will love.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This homemade spaghetti and meat sauce is homemade and tastes amazing! You can skip the jarred sauce and make your own. It is easy!

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
  • 2 (28-oz) cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 (28-oz) can tomato sauce (Contadina or Hunts recommended)
  • 1/2 cup red wine (Pinot Noir or Cabernet)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dry)
  • 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tbsp dry)
  • 2 pounds spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium to medium-low heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic, stir for another minute, and take the pan off the heat.
  2. In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. As it cooks, season it with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and the dry Italian seasoning. Drain off any excess fat when it’s done.
  3. Pour the onions, garlic, and olive oil from the sauté pan into the pan with the browned beef. Stir well, keeping everything on medium heat. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red wine. Use a spatula or masher to break up the whole tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir regularly to keep the sauce from sticking.
  4. Simmer the sauce for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste as you go, adding more salt only if needed. The saltiness can vary based on the brand of tomatoes and sauce used, so adjust gradually.
  5. Stir in the fresh oregano and basil during the last 10 minutes of cooking for that final burst of flavor.
  6. Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of heavily salted water (aim for salty like the sea). Cook until just shy of al dente to keep it from turning mushy.
  7. Plate the hot spaghetti with a generous ladle of meat sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan if you’d like. Enjoy while it's hot!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 377Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 563mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 25g

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