Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe (Easy Classic Pasta Sauce)
This spaghetti meat sauce is a rich, slow-simmered classic made with savory ground meat, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Thick, flavorful, and perfectly comforting, it pairs beautifully with spaghetti for a timeless meal the whole family will love. Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet or saucepan for sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (lean preferred)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil and grated parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground meat, cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Build Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Longer simmering deepens flavor.
- Combine: Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help sauce cling.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and parmesan.
- Expert Tip: Save pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce and coat noodles beautifully.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version.
- Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber.
- Low-sodium tomatoes reduce salt content.
- Sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add red wine during simmering for depth of flavor.