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This spaghetti with hearty meat sauce is an easy weeknight dinner that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. The rich, flavorful sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti, creating a meal that’s both delicious and quick to prepare. Topped with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, it’s a dish that feels special yet is simple enough for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic that everyone loves. It’s not only comforting and filling but also quick to make, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Rich and flavorful sauce
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Kid-friendly and customizable
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How to Make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the meat sauce, mixing until the pasta is well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use high-quality ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk just before serving.
Easy Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
- Try adding a splash of red wine to the sauce for depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread for dipping into the sauce
- Steamed vegetables for a nutritious side
- A glass of red wine to complement the meal
Storage and Reheating
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Leftover spaghetti with meat sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the meat sauce, mixing until the pasta is well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes:
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
