๐ Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe | Classic Italian Comfort Food
Looking for a hearty and satisfying weeknight dinner? This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a family-favorite dish packed with rich tomato flavor, perfectly seasoned ground meat, and al dente pasta. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to hit the spot!
๐ Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles
- Salted water for boiling
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
๐ณ Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, chili flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss until coated.
- Alternatively, serve sauce over the pasta for a traditional plating.
- Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
๐ฝ️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
- Pair with red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a full Italian-inspired meal.
๐ง Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze meat sauce (separately) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or simmer on stovetop until heated through.
๐ Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.
- Spicy: Add hot Italian sausage or more chili flakes.
- Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or ricotta for a creamy meat sauce twist.
๐ FAQ: Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Q: Can I use jarred pasta sauce?
Yes, but making your own from scratch is more flavorful and customizable.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is traditional, but penne, rigatoni, or linguine also work well.
Q: Can I double the sauce recipe?
Absolutely! It's perfect for meal prep or freezing for later use.
๐ Pro Tip:
Add a splash of pasta cooking water to the sauce before combining—it helps the sauce cling to the noodles and adds extra silkiness!
๐ข Show Us Your Pasta!
Tried this recipe? Tag @monzoorskitchen on Instagram or Pinterest and use #SpaghettiNight to share your delicious bowl!
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