Classic Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Recipe: Homestyle Magic

Steaming hot and packed with robust flavors, this hearty spaghetti with meat sauce recipe will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

Rich ground beef simmers gently in a velvety tomato base, creating a classic comfort dish.

Aromatic herbs and spices dance through the sauce, promising a deeply satisfying meal.

Each twirl of pasta captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking.

The combination of tender meat and silky noodles speaks to generations of culinary passion.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients.

Prepare to savor every delicious, soul-warming bite.

Why Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Is a Classic

• Craft Delicious Comfort: Transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering chocolate glazed donuts that bring pure joy to your kitchen.
• Create Flexible Cooking Methods: Switch between frying and baking based on your preference, making this recipe adaptable for different cooking styles and kitchen setups.
• Customize with Crunch: Personalize your donuts by adding chocolate cookie crumbs, giving an extra texture and gourmet touch that elevates the classic treat.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Prepare these donuts with basic pantry staples, ensuring you can satisfy your sweet craving without a complicated shopping list.

Ingredients List for Hearty Meat Sauce Spaghetti

• Ground Chuck: A flavorful and juicy beef that forms the base of the hearty meat sauce.

• Onions, Green Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide a sweet and mild flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and richness to the meat sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Sweet Basil, Italian Seasoning, Oregano: A blend of dried herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste of the sauce.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and intensify the flavors.
• Minced Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a light, bright note to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: A combination of tomato products that create a rich, smooth, and tangy sauce base.

• Spaghetti: A classic long pasta that perfectly captures and holds the meaty sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese, Chopped Parsley: Finishing touches that add extra flavor and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: A versatile oil used for sautéing vegetables and preventing pasta from sticking.

Steps for Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Lovers

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and green bell peppers.

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and continue cooking until the kitchen fills with a delightful aroma.

• Olive oil
• Onions
• Green bell peppers
• Garlic

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Introduce ground chuck to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Break up the meat using a wooden spoon while cooking.

Continue until the meat turns golden brown and is completely cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Create Flavor Profile

Sprinkle in a blend of aromatic seasonings to elevate the sauce’s taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution across the meat and vegetables.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley
• Sweet basil
• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Components

Pour in tomato varieties to build a rich, robust sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients seamlessly.

• Diced tomatoes
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Step 5: Develop Sauce Depth

Reduce heat to low. Allow sauce to simmer gently, developing deep flavors.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue for approximately one hour.

Step 6: Prepare Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent pasta from clumping.

Cook spaghetti until it reaches al dente texture. Drain pasta thoroughly.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Transfer cooked spaghetti to a serving platter. Generously ladle meat sauce over the pasta.

Optional: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes for Saucy Spaghetti Nights

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy sauce and ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Choose ground chuck with 80/20 fat content for the best balance of flavor and texture in your sauce.
• Allow sauce to develop deep flavors by maintaining a low, gentle simmer and stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking to build layers of robust, balanced flavor in the meat sauce.
• Cook spaghetti just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness and prevent mushy noodles when mixed with sauce.

Creative Swaps for Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Swap: Replace ground chuck with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the classic sauce intact.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, increase garlic, and incorporate kalamata olives for a bolder, more intense Mediterranean-inspired sauce profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while enjoying the full-bodied meat sauce experience.

Best Sides With Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty tomato sauce with its bold flavor profile and balanced acidity.
• Create Crisp Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread with butter, minced garlic, and parsley to provide a crunchy texture that perfectly soaks up the savory meat sauce and adds delightful complementary flavors.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty Italian vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish and provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy meat sauce.

How to Keep Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Fresh

• Store leftover spaghetti and meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate pasta and sauce to prevent soggy noodles.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Reheat sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little water or broth to maintain moisture. Warm pasta separately in boiling water for 30 seconds to refresh texture.

FAQs

• Why do I need to drain the grease from ground chuck?

Draining excess grease prevents the sauce from becoming too oily and helps concentrate the rich meat flavor, making the sauce healthier and more balanced.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground chuck with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground Italian sausage for varied flavor profiles and protein options.

• What does al dente mean for pasta?

Al dente means the pasta is cooked to be firm to the bite, with a slight resistance when chewing, which provides the best texture and helps the sauce adhere better.

• How can I make the sauce more flavorful?

Toast the herbs and spices in the pan before adding tomatoes to intensify their flavors, and consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to enhance the sauce’s depth.

Spaghetti With Meat Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty spaghetti with meat sauce delivers pure Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Robust ground beef, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato base create a classic meal that warms souls and satisfies hungry diners with authentic Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground chuck

Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti

Tomato Products:

• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans tomato sauce

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion (or 2 medium onions), diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

Oils and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for boiling pasta)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and green bell peppers until they soften and become translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Introduce ground chuck to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles while browning completely. Eliminate excess fat by draining.
4. Sprinkle an array of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, basil, Italian herbs, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat the meat with these flavor enhancers.
5. Pour diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the skillet. Blend ingredients uniformly, creating a rich and robust sauce.
6. Reduce heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer and develop deep flavors for approximately 60 minutes. Stir periodically to prevent sauce from sticking.
7. Simultaneously, boil water in a separate pot. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent pasta from clumping.
8. Cook spaghetti until it reaches al dente texture, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly.
9. Combine spaghetti with meat sauce or layer sauce atop pasta. Optional: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for added zest.

Notes

• Always dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the sauce.
• Control meat browning by using high heat initially, then reducing to prevent burning while developing rich caramelized flavors.
• Simmer sauce low and slow to allow herbs and spices to meld, creating deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Consider adding a splash of red wine during simmering to enhance the sauce’s depth and provide subtle complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 447 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 686 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg