Quick and Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Whip up a comforting dinner in no time with this Quick and Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce—a classic recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich, flavorful tomato-based meat sauce, this dish is a kitchen favorite. Made with hearty ground beef, aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a blend of Italian seasonings, this one-skillet wonder comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish. The optional pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil takes each bite to the next level. Serve this crowd-pleasing spaghetti recipe with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal your whole family will love.
Train Anywhere. No Excuses.
Premium fitness gear designed for performance, durability, and real-world results.
From home to gym to on-the-go
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 3 quarts water
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook 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 cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Add 1 teaspoon of sugar if the tomatoes taste overly acidic.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
584 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.6 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.6 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 2172 mg | 94% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.2 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.6 g | ||
| Protein | 30.3 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 205 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 937 mg | 20% | |
*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.
