Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Classic Spaghetti with Ground Meat, a timeless recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a hearty tomato-based sauce enriched with tender browned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano and basil, this dish delivers bold flavor in every bite. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the crushed tomatoes, while freshly grated Parmesan and fragrant basil provide the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just under an hour, this crowd-pleaser is easy to prepare and customizable to your preferred level of spice or richness. Whether you're craving a simple gourmet meal or looking for the ultimate comfort food, this spaghetti recipe hits all the right notes. Perfect for search terms like "classic spaghetti recipes," "homemade meat sauce pasta," and "easy family dinners."
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Toss the cooked spaghetti with a portion of the meat sauce to coat. Serve additional sauce over top as desired.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil before serving.
Calories |
2337 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.9 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.3 g | 226% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 346 mg | 115% | |
| Sodium | 2748 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.6 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.0 g | ||
| Protein | 113.9 g | 228% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 257 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 2232 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.