Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe: Why This is the Only Pasta Dish You’ll Ever Need

Regarding classic comfort food, spaghetti with meat sauce is a dish that never fails to satisfy. It’s simple, hearty, and flavor-packed—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you just need something that feels like home.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will help you create a delicious spaghetti with meat sauce that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it straightforward. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this tasty dish:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb spaghetti pasta
Optional: Red wine (about ½ cup), parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs for garnish

Let’s Cook!

Cook the Spaghetti:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—this usually takes about 9-11 minutes.

Remember to stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together. When the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Keep a little pasta water if you need it to thin the sauce later.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

While your pasta is cooking, it’s time to get the sauce going.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer) and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Once the meat and veggies are cooked, stir in your canned tomatoes—crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add the dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

If you’re feeling adventurous, pour in some red wine for added depth of flavor. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the secret to developing all those rich, hearty flavors.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

Now comes the fun part! It’s time to combine everything once your meat sauce is ready and the spaghetti has cooked. You can toss the pasta directly into the sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated, or serve the sauce over the pasta. Both ways work beautifully!

Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starch from the pasta water will also help thicken the sauce, giving it a silky texture.

Tips for the Perfect Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Quality Ground Meat: The foundation of any great meat sauce is the meat, so choose a good quality ground beef. Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) works well, but you can use a fattier cut if you want extra flavor.

Longer Simmer = Better Flavor: If you have the time, let your sauce simmer for a little longer than the recipe suggests. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and deeper the flavors will be. Just be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning.

Balance the Acidity: Sometimes, tomato sauces can be a bit acidic. A pinch of sugar (about 1 tsp) can help balance that. Try it and see if you like the difference!

Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while the sauce is simmering. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the flavor.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

Vegetarian Version: If you’re not into meat, try substituting lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat. Lentils, in particular, absorb the flavors beautifully and make for a hearty, protein-packed sauce.

Add Vegetables: You can sneak extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the sauce. They’ll cook down and blend seamlessly, adding nutrients and flavor.

Change the Meat: If you’re in the mood for a different flavor, use ground turkey, pork, or sausage. Ground sausage will give the sauce a nice, savory punch, but you might want to reduce the added salt since sausage can be salty on its own.

Cheesy Touch: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor, or mix it right into the sauce for a creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti with meat sauce is a full meal on its own, but if you want to make it extra special, here are a few sides that pair wonderfully:

Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery loaf of garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to soak up that delicious sauce.
Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
Steamed Veggies: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans is a great choice if you want to add some extra veggies.

Storing Leftovers

Store the sauce and pasta separately if you have leftovers (and trust me, you’ll want them!). You can keep both in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat the pasta with a splash of water to bring it back to life, and warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta you like—penne, rigatoni, or even ziti. Remember that the cooking times may vary depending on the shape of the pasta.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, the sauce gets better with time! You can make the sauce a day or two ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Of course! Simply swap out the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Many great options are available that taste just as delicious.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes while the sauce simmers. For an extra kick, you can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Now that you’ve got the recipe and some tips to make it your own, it’s time to get cooking!

This spaghetti with meat sauce will become a family favorite. It will bring everyone to the table for a comforting, satisfying meal. Enjoy!