The Magic of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with meat sauce is miraculous in some way. It draws people together and makes memories that last a lifetime. Families all over use this simple dish for both big occasions and weeknight dinners.

What is it about this homemade spaghetti sauce that makes it so great? You probably already have all the easy ingredients in your cupboard. When you put them together, they make a rich, tasty sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. You can make more than just spaghetti with this versatile recipe. You can also make Spaghetti Pie, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Lasagna, and Instant Pot Spaghetti, all of which are delicious.

Start by browning ground beef and onion to produce this tasty sauce. Put in some sugar, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian spice, and Worcestershire sauce. Then, let it simmer on the burner for a while to let the flavors mix. This will make a sauce that is both strong and cozy.

What makes spaghetti sauce different from marinara or pizza sauce? All of these sauces are made from tomatoes, although marinara is usually meatless, and pizza sauce is raw and only for pizza. On the other hand, spaghetti sauce is cooked until it’s just right, which brings out the flavors and adds depth to any dish.

And here’s the best part: You can create this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for future use. So, whether you’re hosting a family event or searching for a quick and fulfilling meal on a hectic weeknight, this homemade spaghetti with meat sauce has got you covered.

Get ready to feel the warmth, comfort, and joy that can be found in a simple plate of spaghetti with meat sauce. Let’s plunge in and uncover the magic of this family favorite recipe.

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to homemade spaghetti sauce, this recipe has it all. Not only is it incredibly easy to create, but it also boasts a versatile and exquisite flavor that will leave you needing more. Here are five reasons why you’ll fall in love with this pasta with beef sauce:

• Simple and Convenient: This recipe includes basic cupboard materials, making it an easy recipe to whip up on any given day. You don’t need to make a special trip to the store for sophisticated items.
• Versatile Sauce for Various Dishes: The homemade spaghetti sauce in this recipe can be utilized beyond simply a standard spaghetti supper. It gives a deep and savory flavor that complements other meals like Spaghetti Pie, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Lasagna, and more.
• Rich and Flavorsome: By boiling the sauce for an extended duration, the ingredients merge together, resulting in a rich flavors that penetrate every bite. The blend of seasonings, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce give this sauce a depth that will make your taste senses dance.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: Life may become busy, and there’s nothing better than having a dinner ready to go when you need it. This recipe allows you to make ahead and freeze the spaghetti with meat sauce, so you always have a nice supper on hand.
• A Family Favorite: This handmade pasta with meat sauce has been a popular among families for generations. Its classic and soothing taste welcomes everyone to the table, creating moments of camaraderie and reminiscence. Whether it’s a daily supper or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.

With its homemade touch, easy preparation, versatility, rich tastes, and flexibility to be made ahead and frozen, this spaghetti with meat sauce recipe is a keeper. It’s time to bring the taste of hearty, handmade goodness to your kitchen.

Ingredient List + Possible Substitutions

To prepare this spaghetti with meat sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients: ground beef (or a combination of ground beef and ground Italian sausage), onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and spaghetti noodles.

While these are the recommended ingredients, there are some alternative modifications you can use. For the meat, you can use varying ratios of ground beef and ground Italian sausage to modify the flavor. This will add a lovely richness to the sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use simply ground beef.

Furthermore, you have the ability to customize your sauce by introducing extra spices such as minced garlic, fresh parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes. These ingredients will heighten the flavors and provide a more robust taste profile that will tickle your taste senses.

Lastly, if you’re not a lover of spaghetti noodles, you can pick for alternative types of pasta to suit your preferences. However, it’s worth mentioning that spaghetti noodles are the usual choice for this classic meal, delivering the perfect texture for the rich meat sauce.

• 1 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 lb Ground beef
• 1/2 lb Ground Italian sausage
• 1 Medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 Carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 Celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Dry red wine
• 1 (28 oz) can Crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can Tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup Water or beef/chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp Dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp Dried basil
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 tsp Sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lb Spaghetti noodles
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground meat and sausage. Break up the meat with a spoon.
3. Cook until the meat is fully browned. Drain out any extra fat from the pot (leaving just a tablespoon or two for taste).
4. Remove the browned meat from the pot and set it aside, leaving the pot on the heat.

5. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot (if using). Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically, until the veggies are cooked and the onions are transparent.
6. Add the minced garlic and simmer for 1 minute, or until it smells good (don’t let the garlic burn).
7. Add the red wine (if you are using it). Turn increase the heat and scrape up any browned bits that are attached to the bottom of the pot. This is called “fond” and it has a lot of flavor.
8. Let the wine boil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half. If you don’t want to use wine, you can skip this step.
9. Put the meat that has been browned back in the pot.
10. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the 1/2 cup of water/broth.
11. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix.
12. Bring the sauce to a medium simmer.
13. Reduce the heat to the lowest level (just enough to keep a very gently bubble).
14. Cover the pot slightly, allowing a tiny gap for steam to escape.
15. Simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
    The long simmer is key! It allows the flavors to combine, the acidity to mellow, and the meat and veggies to become extremely tender.
16. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
17. After simmering, remove and discard the bay leaf.
18. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
19. Serve over cooked spaghetti, topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese!

Pro Tip for Extra Richness

Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half just at the end of the cooking procedure. This is a famous Italian accent (particularly in Bologna) that balances out the flavor and gives the sauce a wonderful, velvety texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sort of meat in the sauce?

Yes, you can use different ratios of ground beef and ground Italian sausage to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Can I personalize the sauce with extra ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add garlic, parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes to modify the flavor of the sauce to your preference.

Can I use a different variety of spaghetti noodles?

Yes, while spaghetti noodles are the conventional choice, you can use alternative types of pasta noodles if you choose.

How long can I preserve the sauce in the fridge?

You can store the sauce in the fridge for a few days, allowing you to enjoy it for numerous meals.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for future use. Just make sure to properly store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.