Spaghetti Meat Sauce – Rich, Hearty & Family-Friendly

This rich and savory Spaghetti Meat Sauce brings pure comfort to the table with minimal effort. The sauce simmers gently with tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and tender ground beef to create a cozy, satisfying family dinner. It feels like a classic restaurant-style dish, yet uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together easily.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, rich flavor made with simple ingredients
• Ready in under an hour but tastes slow-cooked
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
• Pairs with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta
• Great for batch cooking or weeknight dinners

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 12 ounces cooked spaghetti
• Fresh basil or parsley for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Season with salt, pepper, basil, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder.
6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water or broth.
8. Add sugar and red pepper flakes if using.
9. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
11. Serve over cooked spaghetti and garnish with parsley or basil.

Tips & Variations

• Add grated Parmesan for a richer finish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Add finely chopped carrots for natural sweetness.
• Simmer longer for a deeper tomato flavor.
• For a thicker sauce, cook the final 10 minutes uncovered.
• Add a splash of beef broth if you prefer a looser sauce.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Classic spaghetti
• Penne or rigatoni
• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh basil and Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes. Fresh tomatoes work well if they are cooked until softened. Roma tomatoes are the best option because they contain less water. Blend or crush them before adding to the sauce for a smoother texture.

Why add sugar to tomato sauce?

A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes. It doesn’t make the sauce sweet; it rounds out the flavor and enhances the natural richness of the tomato base.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes. This sauce tastes even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow extra liquid to evaporate. Tomato paste also helps thicken the sauce while adding depth and richness.

Ready to Make It?

This hearty Spaghetti Meat Sauce is comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Save this recipe so you can return to it anytime you need a cozy, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.

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