I remember the first time I made spaghetti with meat sauce all on my own and I was maybe twelve and determined to cook something without asking for help and I followed the recipe on the back of a pasta box and adjusted it with whatever we had and the result wasn’t perfect but it made me feel so proud and since then I’ve been refining that recipe into the hearty delicious version I make today.

This is one of those dishes that turns a simple evening into something comforting and warm and the sauce is rich and savory with tender ground beef and sweet tomatoes simmered with herbs and garlic and it’s just the kind of meal I crave when I need a little extra coziness on a busy night.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Ground beef – The star of the sauce adding richness and depth.
Onion – Gives the base a savory foundation with sweetness when softened.
Garlic – Brings bold aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes – Forms the bulk of the sauce with a smooth texture.
Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Olive oil – Used to sauté the aromatics and meat.
Dried oregano – Adds earthiness and classic Italian flavor.
Basil – Balances the sauce with a hint of sweetness.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the meat and sauce.
Spaghetti – The perfect pasta to hold onto that thick meaty sauce.
Fresh parsley – Optional but adds color and a fresh finish.

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot – For boiling the pasta until perfectly al dente.
Skillet or saucepan – To brown the meat and simmer the sauce.
Wooden spoon – For stirring the sauce without damaging the pan.
Colander – To drain the cooked pasta easily.
Knife and cutting board – For prepping your onions and garlic.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and then I cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente and once it’s done I drain it and set it aside while I prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet I heat some olive oil over medium heat then I add the diced onions and sauté until they’re soft and translucent and after that I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute just until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Next I add the ground beef to the pan and break it apart as it browns and I make sure there’s no pink left then I drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from getting greasy.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

I stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste then I add oregano basil salt and pepper and I let it all simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors really come together.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the sauce is done I toss it with the cooked spaghetti or spoon it on top and I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if I have it on hand.

Tips

If you like your sauce spicy I recommend adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and for extra flavor you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the tomatoes. I also like to make a double batch of the sauce and freeze half for later.

Ways to Serve

I usually serve this spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal and it’s also delicious topped with a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of olive oil and leftovers are even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely spaghetti works great but penne fettuccine or even rotini will hold the meat sauce just as well.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

What’s the best meat to use?

I use ground beef but ground turkey Italian sausage or a beef and pork mix all work great too.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If it’s too thin I just let it simmer a little longer uncovered or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this spaghetti with meat sauce a try soon! It’s a classic for a reason and once you make it from scratch you’ll see just how satisfying and simple it can be. Let me know how it turns out for you or what little twists you added to make it your own.

Happy Cooking!