Italian Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, a classic pasta recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This hearty dish features tender al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich, savory meat sauce made with ground beef, garlic, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. The sauce is simmered with sweet crushed tomatoes and a touch of tomato paste to create a deeply flavorful base, while optional red chili flakes and sugar balance the taste to perfection. Finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish, this recipe is easy to follow, taking just 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook. Whether gathered around the family table or entertaining guests, this Italian favorite will delight everyone with its comforting, homemade appeal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g spaghetti
- 500 g ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 units garlic cloves, minced
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 5 units fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 4 liters water (for boiling spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for seasoning the water.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red chili flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Mix well to combine.
Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated, or serve the sauce over the spaghetti.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
710 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.4 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 2490 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.6 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.1 g | ||
| Protein | 36.4 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 223 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 884 mg | 19% | |
*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.
