The Best Hearty Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delectable spaghetti meat sauce brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Generations of italian cooks have perfected this classic comfort meal.

Robust ground beef mingles with rich tomatoes, creating layers of complex flavor.

Aromatic herbs and slow-simmered ingredients promise a deeply satisfying dining experience.

Authentic techniques transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each spoonful carries warmth and tradition from mediterranean kitchens.

Savor every bite and watch faces light up around the dinner table.

Spaghetti Meat Sauce Packed with Flavor

• Learn simple steps to create a delicious sauce from scratch, with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking methods that even beginner cooks can tackle confidently.
• Adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings, switching meat types, or adding extra vegetables to make it uniquely yours, ensuring a personalized dining experience every time.
• Prepare a filling, nutritious dinner that comes together in less than an hour, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.

Ingredients for Hearty Spaghetti Meat Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds richness and depth to the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a flavorful base and enhance the overall taste of the sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a smooth, rich foundation for the meat sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Water, Beef Broth: Helps adjust the sauce consistency and adds extra flavor.

• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Sugar: Optional ingredient that can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that serves as the perfect vehicle for the hearty meat sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Optional herbs that provide a fresh, aromatic touch.

Making a Rich and Meaty Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium flame.

Drop in the ground beef and break it into small pieces while cooking.

Continue until the meat turns a rich golden brown and loses its pink color.

Pour out any extra fat to keep the sauce lean and tasty.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet.

Stir and cook until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Flavor

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sugar (optional)
• Water or beef broth

Stir everything together and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Reduce the heat to low.

Allow the sauce to bubble softly, developing rich flavors.

Stir occasionally and let it cook for 20-30 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Cook Perfect Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring to a rolling boil.

Add spaghetti and cook until it reaches al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of cooking water.

Mix the spaghetti with the meat sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Add a few torn fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti immediately while hot!

Tips for a Deep-Flavored Spaghetti Sauce

• Ensure ground beef is completely browned without burning by using medium heat and breaking meat into small, even pieces for maximum flavor development.
• Let sauce slowly cook on low heat to allow herbs and tomatoes to meld together, creating deeper and richer taste profiles that enhance overall dish complexity.
• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help thin sauce and create smoother, silkier texture when combining spaghetti with meat sauce.
• Season water generously when boiling pasta and taste sauce before final serving to balance flavors without over-salting the entire dish.
• Freshly grated Parmesan adds incredible depth – grate directly over hot pasta for maximum melting and flavor release.

Reheating and Saving Your Meat Sauce

• Store leftover spaghetti meat sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour sauce into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently and heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Sides and Pasta That Pair with the Sauce

• Uncork a Bold Red Wine: Pair this rich meat sauce with a robust Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the sauce's deep, meaty flavors and cuts through its hearty tomato base.
• Complement with Fresh Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the spaghetti to soak up extra sauce and provide a crispy textural contrast to the tender pasta.
• Create a Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy meat sauce and add refreshing brightness to the meal.
• Enhance with Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle generous amounts of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a salty, nutty dimension that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Ideas to Change Up This Spaghetti Sauce

• Vegetarian Sauce: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or textured vegetable protein for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining the classic sauce flavor.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate intake and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Spicy Italian Kick: Enhance the sauce by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot Italian sausage for those who enjoy a more intense and fiery flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of ground meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• How can I make the sauce less acidic?

Add a small pinch of sugar or grate a carrot into the sauce to naturally balance the acidity of the tomatoes and create a smoother taste.

• Is it necessary to use both crushed tomatoes and tomato paste?

Yes, crushed tomatoes provide texture and volume, while tomato paste adds depth and helps thicken the sauce, creating a richer overall flavor.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs like basil and oregano?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs to achieve the same flavor intensity.

Hearty Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spaghetti meat sauce brings classic Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors that dance across hungry palates. Generous portions of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and slow-simmered tomatoes create a warm embrace you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 800 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Garnish:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• Salt for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform ground beef into a rich, savory foundation by searing in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, methodically breaking apart the meat until thoroughly browned. Meticulously drain any accumulated fat.
2. Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and aromatic.
3. Integrate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar into the skillet. Pour in water or beef broth, then elevate the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low, allowing the sauce to develop deep flavors by simmering uncovered for 20-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
5. Simultaneously, prepare pasta by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Submerge spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente.
6. Drain pasta, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid as a potential sauce modifier.
7. Carefully fold cooked spaghetti into the robust meat sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water if needed.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and optional herbs like basil or parsley for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier sauce base.
• Consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process for complexity.
• Crush fresh herbs instead of dried to release more intense aromatics and boost overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg