If you have ever craved a hearty, comforting Italian classic that brings family and friends together around the table, this Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Packed with rich flavors from perfectly browned ground beef, fresh garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs simmered in luscious crushed and diced tomatoes, this sauce combines simplicity and depth in the most satisfying way. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers that nostalgic feeling of home-cooked goodness that warms the heart and pleases every palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even with just a handful of ingredients, this Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe shows how essential components come together to create a flavorful and well-balanced dish. Each item plays a unique role, adding layers of taste, texture, and color that make the sauce memorable and deeply satisfying.
- 1 pound ground beef: Using 80/20 ground beef offers the perfect balance of flavor and fat for a juicy sauce.
- 6 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic provides a pungent, aromatic foundation that elevates the entire sauce.
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: These create a smooth texture and rich tomato base essential for a hearty sauce.
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes: Adding diced tomatoes gives delightful chunks and brightness to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes and enhances the natural sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Essential for bringing out the depth of all other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly bitter herbaceous note typical of Italian sauces.
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley: Brings a fresh, mild bitterness that rounds the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon basil: Infuses a sweet, aromatic touch that pairs perfectly with tomato and beef.
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle heat that wakes up the taste buds without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a sharp, peppery bite that enhances complexity.
How to Make Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you even fire up the stove, it’s so helpful to measure out all your spices and sugar, and open those cans of tomatoes. Having everything ready to go keeps the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, letting you focus on each step without scrambling for ingredients.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large Dutch oven set over medium heat, break the ground beef apart and cook it until it’s beautifully browned with no pink left. This browning step is key because it creates those caramelized bits that deepen flavor dramatically. Once browned, drain all but 2 tablespoons of the fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic right into the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so watch carefully—it should smell amazing but not brown. This step unlocks garlic’s sweetness and layers more aroma into your sauce.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Pour in both the crushed and diced tomatoes, then stir in your pre-measured spices, sugar, and salt. This is where the sauce really begins to come to life as all those flavors mingle and meld together perfectly.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking thickens the sauce, intensifies the flavors, and gives time for the herbs and heat from the red pepper flakes to infuse fully.
Step 6: Final Seasoning Adjustments
Once your sauce has thickened to your liking, give it a taste and adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper little by little. Fine-tuning at the end ensures the sauce is perfectly balanced for your personal preference and ready to impress.
How to Serve Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over your plated spaghetti meat sauce for a salty, nutty finish. A handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve this Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or warm, garlicky Italian bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also work wonderfully to add texture and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, spoon the sauce over polenta or use it as the base in a baked pasta casserole with gooey melted cheese on top. You can also turn it into a hearty meat sauce sub sandwich with melted provolone for a casual, ultra-satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, store any leftover spaghetti meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making quick lunches or dinners during your busy week.
Freezing
This sauce freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and keep for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your sauce gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If it seems too thick, splash in a little water or broth to loosen it up while warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and creates a lighter version of the sauce. Just be mindful they cook faster and may need slightly less time to brown.
Why do you add sugar to spaghetti meat sauce?
The sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the canned tomatoes, mellowing out the sharpness and creating a more harmonious sweetness in the sauce.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply refrigerate overnight and reheat before serving.
Is it necessary to drain the beef fat?
Draining most of the fat prevents the sauce from becoming greasy, but leaving a little adds richness and helps carry the flavor of the garlic and spices.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer uncovered to reduce excess liquid. Alternatively, adding a small spoonful of tomato paste can help thicken it up.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a robust Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and your plate with hearty goodness. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how simple ingredients and a little patience can create a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Enjoy every moment of making and sharing this classic favorite!
Print
Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Spaghetti Meat Sauce recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef, garlic, and a rich tomato base seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal, the sauce simmers to develop a thick, savory texture that complements your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
Vegetables and Tomatoes
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Spices and Tomatoes: Measure out all spices and sugar, then open your canned tomatoes and set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks until browned and no longer pink. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of grease to keep some flavor without excess fat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn as this will impart bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in both cans of crushed and diced tomatoes, then stir in sugar, salt, oregano, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper evenly throughout the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture up to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together nicely.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper in small increments to achieve the perfect balance of flavor before serving.
Notes
- Adding sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother, richer sauce.
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Drain most of the beef grease but keep 2 tablespoons for a savory depth in the sauce.
- Simmer gently to thicken the sauce without drying it out.
