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Classic Hearty Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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A quick and easy homemade spaghetti with meat sauce recipe that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) dry spaghetti pasta
  • 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces (800 grams) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth (or water as substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine for deglazing

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.
  4. Optional: Pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift browned bits. Let simmer and reduce for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in 28 ounces (800 grams) canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Add cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce pan and toss gently to coat evenly. Let cook together for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors.
  8. Serve spaghetti with meat sauce topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

If sauce tastes acidic, add a small pinch of sugar to balance. Browning the meat properly adds deep flavor. Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For silkier sauce, add a splash of whole milk or cream at the end. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days; freeze sauce separately for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meat sauce, classic recipe, easy dinner, ground beef, pasta, homemade sauce, weeknight meal

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