Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with a rich ground beef meat sauce that simmers in just 20-30 minutes for real depth of flavor. An easy, budget-friendly Italian-inspired dinner the whole family loves.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 510kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1 lb spaghetti
- grated parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef, about 7-8 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain off the excess grease.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
- Simmer: Bring to a low simmer and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water.
- Combine and serve: Toss the spaghetti with the meat sauce, loosening with a splash of pasta water if needed, and top with grated parmesan.
Notes
Let the sauce simmer the full 20-30 minutes uncovered, that's what gives it real depth instead of a flat, watery flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 830mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g