If you’re searching for a rich, hearty, and flavorful dinner, this homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is your answer. Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with comforting flavors, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive into the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 lb spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well, cooking for 1–2 minutes to develop its flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
4. Season the Sauce
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the Spaghetti
- While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside.
6. Adjust and Serve
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve the sauce ladled over the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Sauce
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end enhances the flavor. Learn more about the benefits of fresh herbs at Healthline.
- Simmer for Richness: Letting the sauce simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Balance the Acidity: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Check out this guide on freezing sauces at The Kitchn.
- Reheat: Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic Bread: Learn how to make crispy garlic bread at Sally’s Baking Addiction.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich sauce. Try this recipe at Simply Recipes.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti enhances the dish’s flavors.
Classic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
A rich and hearty homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef that’s perfect for family dinners.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti, garnished with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer. You can also make a large batch and freeze portions for future use.
This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a timeless recipe that brings everyone to the table. With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Try it today and experience the magic of a homemade classic! 🍝✨