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I've been making this Hearty Spaghetti with Meat Sauce for years and it never fails to bring my family running to the kitchen. The aroma of rich tomato sauce simmering with perfectly seasoned ground beef takes me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house. This recipe has become my most requested comfort meal.
Everyone's Favorite Pasta Night
What I love about this recipe is how simple yet satisfying it is. The sauce gets incredibly rich and flavorful as it simmers and when you toss it with perfectly cooked spaghetti it's pure magic. My kids always ask for seconds and there's rarely any leftovers.
What You'll Need
- Ground Chuck: 2 pounds nice and fresh for the best flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5 oz can adds lovely texture.
- Crushed Tomatoes: A big 28 oz can for that rich base.
- Tomato Sauce: Two 15 oz cans make it perfectly saucy.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons of the good stuff.
- Garlic: 5 fresh cloves minced up.
- Onion: 1 large or 2 medium diced nice and small.
- Green Pepper: Adds such nice fresh flavor.
- My Spice Blend: Garlic powder onion powder parsley basil Italian seasoning oregano sea salt and pepper.
- Spaghetti: 1 pound of your favorite brand.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Start With Veggies:
- Get your olive oil nice and warm then cook those onions and peppers until they're soft and sweet. Add garlic just until it smells amazing.
- Brown That Beef:
- Add your ground chuck and cook it until there's no pink left. Drain off the extra fat.
- Season It Well:
- This is where the magic happens sprinkle in all those wonderful herbs and spices.
- Sauce Time:
- Pour in all your tomatoes give everything a good stir then let it simmer and get delicious for an hour.
- Cook The Pasta:
- Get your water boiling add some olive oil and salt then cook that spaghetti until it's just right.
- Bring It Together:
- You can either mix everything together or serve the sauce over top whichever your family prefers.
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My Best Tips
Fresh herbs make everything taste better but dried work perfectly too. Don't rush the simmering it's worth the wait. Sometimes I add a splash of the wine I'm drinking while I cook. Save some of that starchy pasta water it's like magic for fixing sauce consistency.
Why This Recipe Works
This is the kind of recipe that makes your house smell amazing and your family think you've spent all day cooking. The sauce gets so rich and flavorful while it simmers and when you combine it with perfectly cooked spaghetti it's just pure comfort food magic.
Make It Your Own
- Skip The Meat: Try plant based crumbles or lentils they work great.
- Add Some Heat: Red pepper flakes make it perfectly spicy.
- Cheese Please: We love adding lots of Parmesan or melty mozzarella.
- Gluten Free: Just swap in your favorite gluten free pasta.
Perfect Pairings
I always serve this with warm garlic bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. A simple green salad on the side makes it complete. Pour yourself a glass of red wine or some sparkling water with lemon and enjoy.
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Saving Some For Later
Pack up any leftovers they'll stay good in the fridge for 3 days. When you're ready to eat just warm it slowly on the stove. The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months just cook fresh pasta when you're ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this sauce ahead?
Yes, the sauce tastes even better the next day. Store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- → What meat is best for this sauce?
Ground chuck (80/20) provides best flavor. You can also use ground sirloin or mix beef with Italian sausage.
- → Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, triple the amount when using fresh herbs. Add them near the end of cooking to preserve flavor.
- → Why simmer for an hour?
Long simmering develops deeper flavors and thickens the sauce. Minimum 30 minutes needed, but longer is better.
- → How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Use plenty of water, stir frequently after adding pasta, and reserve some pasta water to mix with sauce.
Conclusion
A delicious spaghetti meat sauce that combines ground beef, multiple tomato varieties, and aromatic herbs to create a hearty and flavorful family meal.