Ground Beef Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Introduction

Ground Beef Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. A big bowl of al dente spaghetti coated with rich, savory tomato-based meat sauce is one of the most comforting meals you can enjoy. This dish is beloved across households because it’s simple, hearty, and packed with bold flavors. It’s a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even when you’re craving some cozy homemade comfort food.

Unlike fancier pasta dishes, spaghetti with meat sauce is approachable and requires just a few pantry staples. Yet, the taste is incredibly satisfying and reminds many of Sunday dinners around the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines everything I want in a meal: flavor, comfort, and simplicity. The ground beef makes the sauce hearty and filling, while the tomato base adds tang and richness. With herbs and seasonings, the sauce develops layers of flavor that cling to every strand of spaghetti. Plus, it’s versatile—you can adjust the seasonings, add vegetables, or make it spicy depending on your preference.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both adore it.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Customizable: Works with ground turkey, sausage, or even vegetarian swaps.
• Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
• Meal-prep friendly: Freezes beautifully for easy dinners later.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~480 per serving (varies with portion size and cheese topping)

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling pasta water)

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
   • Drain, toss lightly with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 4 minutes).
   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.
   • Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
   • Add basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
   • Simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
3. Combine & Serve
   • Toss the spaghetti with the sauce until well coated.
   • Plate and garnish with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan cheese.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. In a skillet, sauté onion, then garlic.
3. Brown ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
5. Add seasonings and simmer until thickened.
6. Toss cooked spaghetti in the sauce.
7. Garnish with Parmesan and herbs before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Add a side salad like Caesar or mixed greens.
• Pair with red wine (Chianti, Merlot) for adults or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing combo.

Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• For deeper flavor, simmer sauce longer (up to 1 hour).
• Save pasta water and add a splash to the sauce for extra silkiness.
• Always cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness.

Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken Spaghetti: Swap beef with lighter meats.
• Spicy Spaghetti: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Cheesy Baked Spaghetti: Layer spaghetti and sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
• Meat Lovers’ Spaghetti: Add Italian sausage along with ground beef.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (Sauce Only): Freeze meat sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop and add fresh pasta.
• Freezer (Full Dish): Toss pasta with sauce, cool completely, freeze in containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan for sauce
• Wooden spoon
• Colander for draining pasta

FAQ

Q1: Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, use 2 jars of marinara and simmer with browned beef for a quick version.

Q2: Do I have to drain the beef after browning?
If using lean beef, it’s optional, but for fattier beef, draining helps reduce grease.

Q3: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, make the sauce ahead and refrigerate. Cook pasta fresh before serving.

Q4: How do I prevent spaghetti from clumping?
Toss with a drizzle of olive oil after draining, or immediately mix with sauce.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a comfort food staple that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always delicious. With its rich, meaty sauce clinging to perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a meal that brings families together at the table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish will always deliver warm, satisfying flavors.