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Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Few dinners are as comforting and satisfying as a big bowl of spaghetti with rich, hearty meat sauce. This classic Italian-inspired dish is perfect for weeknight family meals, Sunday dinners, or anytime you’re craving pasta smothered in a slow-simmered sauce.

The best part? It’s simple to make with pantry ingredients, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

This recipe uses ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage, if you’d like) simmered with tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs until the flavors meld together into the perfect sauce. Toss it with spaghetti, top with freshly grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the meat – In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (and sausage if using) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté the aromatics – Add diced onion and garlic to the meat and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Build the sauce – Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
5. Simmer – Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
6. Serve – Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, or spoon sauce over individual portions. Garnish with parsley, basil, and Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Meat Sauce

• For deeper flavor, use half ground beef and half Italian sausage.
• Add a splash of red wine while simmering for a richer sauce.
• If you like a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before adding the meat back in.
• This sauce freezes beautifully—make a double batch and save some for later!

• Serve this with my Easy Garlic Bread for the ultimate Italian night.
• For another comfort food classic, try my Easy Chili Recipe.
• Looking for something cozy and family-friendly? You’ll love my White chicken chili.

This Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. It’s hearty, comforting, and has that old-school Italian flavor that never goes out of style. Pair it with garlic bread and a side salad, and you’ve got the ultimate dinner that brings everyone to the table.

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, spaghetti with meat sauce is it. The sauce has just the right balance of savory beef, rich tomato, and Italian herbs, simmered until the flavors meld together.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights because you can make a big pot and reheat it for lunches or freeze for later. Serve it with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal right at home.