Easy Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Transform your pasta night with this Easy Spaghetti Meat Sauce, a hearty, flavor-packed recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Made with simple pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich tomato paste, this recipe combines savory ground beef and fragrant Italian herbs for a sauce that’s both comforting and quick to make. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a thick, luscious meat sauce that pairs beautifully with tender spaghetti. Customize your plate with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of flavor. Whether you’re craving a classic family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy spaghetti meat sauce will become your go-to favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- to taste grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta when al dente.
Serve the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
566 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.1 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 76 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 821 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.8 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.9 g | ||
| Protein | 27.0 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 86 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 829 mg | 18% | |
*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.
