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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and aromatic.
- 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.
- Reduce heat to low, allowing the sauce to develop deep flavors by simmering uncovered for 20-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- 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.
- Drain pasta, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid as a potential sauce modifier.
- Carefully fold cooked spaghetti into the robust meat sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water if needed.
- 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