Classic, hearty, and bursting with rich flavors, this Spaghetti with Meat recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week. Featuring perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti paired with a robust, savory meat sauce made from ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of Italian seasonings, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Sautéed onions and garlic build deep, aromatic layers, while a hint of red pepper flakes and sugar balance the sauce to perfection. Whether topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or enjoyed as is, this meal is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this classic Italian-inspired recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers.
Fill a large pot with 4 liters of water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the cooked spaghetti in individual bowls or a large serving dish, topped with the meat sauce.
Optional: Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Calories |
2522 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 137.1 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.7 g | 249% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 354 mg | 118% | |
| Sodium | 11249 mg | 489% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 202.7 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.5 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.6 g | ||
| Protein | 129.2 g | 258% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1080 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 24.2 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 4462 mg | 95% | |
*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.