Spaghetti Meat Sauce
A comforting and flavorful homemade spaghetti meat sauce that brings family together around the table.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Spaghetti Use whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred.
Meat
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey Use lean ground beef for richness or turkey for a lighter twist.
Tomato Base
- 28 oz Tomato Sauce Opt for homemade or store-bought.
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes Canned or fresh, ensure they’re ripe.
Aromatics
- 1 medium Onion Yellow onion is recommended for sweetness.
- 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced is preferred.
Condiments & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin for richer flavor.
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tbsp Dried Basil
- to taste Salt & Pepper Adjust according to preference.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh Parsley Optional; for topping before serving.
- to taste Parmesan Cheese Optional; for topping before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cooking the Meat
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef or turkey.
- Break apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink.
Making the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes until well combined.
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Lower the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Spaghetti
- In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain spaghetti and set aside.
Serving
- Toss spaghetti with the meat sauce or serve it in bowls topped with sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers, or mix in diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a veggie-packed meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.