Delicious Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: A Family Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming plate of spaghetti with meat sauce. The rich aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your taste buds with promises of savory goodness, while each twirl of pasta on your fork feels like a warm hug from an old friend. This dish is not just food; it’s a delightful experience that every family gathers around, laughter and stories mixing together in perfect harmony.

I remember the first time I made spaghetti with meat sauce for my friends. I was a nervous wreck, but as they took their first bites, their eyes lit up like Christmas lights. It was a magical moment that solidified my love for cooking. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy.

I still chuckle when recalling my friends’ eager expressions as they devoured every bite of my spaghetti with meat sauce.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Choose high-quality pasta; it absorbs the sauce beautifully for maximum flavor.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty yet not overly greasy.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; make sure to chop it finely for even cooking.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the flavor—use at least three for that aromatic kick.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes for sweetness; crush them by hand for texture.

• Tomato Paste: This thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor wonderfully.

• Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme brings out authentic Italian flavors in your sauce.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors—don’t skip them!

• Olive Oil: A splash of good olive oil enhances richness—use extra virgin if you can!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Gather Your Ingredients

First things first! Assemble all your ingredients on the counter so you can easily grab them while cooking. This will save you from running around like a headless chicken mid-recipe.

Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti once boiling and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in some olive oil. Once hot, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The sweet scent of cooked onion will fill your kitchen!

Brown the Meat

Add ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with your spatula. Cook until browned thoroughly (about 5-7 minutes), ensuring no pink remains. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—this is when things start smelling heavenly! Then add crushed tomatoes along with tomato paste into the mixture.

Season Your Sauce

Sprinkle in Italian herbs along with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until thickened slightly while stirring occasionally.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once your spaghetti is ready, drain it but reserve some pasta water! Toss spaghetti into the skillet with meat sauce over low heat, mixing well. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Now plate up your scrumptious spaghetti with meat sauce! You can top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

There you have it: a delicious homemade spaghetti with meat sauce that’s not just easy to prepare but also warms hearts around the table! Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat first, then add onions and garlic before pouring in the tomatoes. This sequence builds flavor efficiently.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

It’s funny how my spaghetti with meat sauce recipe became a family favorite during our movie nights. One time, my brother brought over friends, and they polished off the whole pot—no leftovers!

FAQ

What pasta goes best with meat sauce?

Spaghetti is classic but fettuccine or penne also works beautifully with meat sauce.

Can I freeze spaghetti with meat sauce?

Yes, it freezes well! Store it in airtight containers for up to three months.

How do I make my meat sauce richer?

Add a splash of red wine while simmering; it enhances the flavors wonderfully!

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Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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Indulge in a heartwarming plate of spaghetti with meat sauce, where each twirl of perfectly cooked pasta meets a rich, savory sauce. This family-favorite dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, featuring a delightful blend of herbs and spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Gather around the table and enjoy the warmth and joy this comforting meal brings to every gathering.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients on your counter for easy access.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot, add spaghetti, and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (3-4 minutes).
4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
6. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste; stir well.
7. Season with basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water. Combine spaghetti and meat sauce in the skillet over low heat, mixing until evenly coated. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
9. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil as desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg