The Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce
The Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Nothing beats a homemade spaghetti meat sauce! This recipe is packed with rich flavors, juicy ground beef, and aromatic herbs. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this sauce will become your go-to.
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti meat sauce that’s easy to make and perfect for any family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz / 170g) tomato paste
1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
- Cook the meat:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove excess fat. - Sauté aromatics:
Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant. - Add tomatoes:
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add 1/2 cup water to thin the sauce slightly. - Season the sauce:
Add sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. - Simmer:
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich. - Taste and adjust:
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve:
Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Kid-Friendly Notes:
You can skip the red pepper flakes if your kids don’t like spice.
Finely grated veggies like carrots or zucchini can be added to the sauce to make it extra nutritious.
Tips for the Best Sauce:
- For deeper flavor, simmer the sauce for longer—up to 1 hour.
- Use fresh herbs if available; they enhance the aroma and taste.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
