Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

A hearty, comforting plate of spaghetti with meat sauce is one of those timeless meals I always come back to. With rich, savory ground beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that never fails to please. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday dinner, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this spaghetti meat sauce recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, and the result is always flavorful and satisfying. It uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together in under an hour. The meat sauce clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti, making each bite deeply savory. Plus, it’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and great for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Crushed tomatoes

• Tomato paste

• Tomato sauce

• Italian seasoning

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Olive oil

• Spaghetti pasta

• Water (for boiling the pasta)

Directions

1. I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

2. I add the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent. Then, I stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

3. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, I drain any excess fat.

5. I stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I’m using them.

6. I let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors really meld together during this time.

7. Meanwhile, I cook the spaghetti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. I drain it and set it aside.

8. I serve the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti and top it with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil, if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap out ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage when I want a slightly different flavor profile. For a chunkier sauce, I add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the onion sauté step. If I’m watching carbs, I’ll serve the meat sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta. A splash of red wine adds depth, and a dash of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.

Storage/reheating

I let the meat sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze it for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. I add a splash of water if it thickens too much in the fridge.

FAQs

How do I make the sauce richer in flavor?

I let it simmer longer, even up to an hour if I have time. Adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar also deepens the flavor.

Can I use jarred tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, I’ve done this before when I’m short on time. I adjust the seasoning since jarred sauces are usually pre-seasoned.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. I freeze the meat sauce (without pasta) in a sealed container. It reheats well and tastes just as good.

What type of pasta works best with this meat sauce?

I usually stick with spaghetti, but any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works well. I also use rigatoni or penne when I want more texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I often make the meat sauce a day ahead because it tastes even better the next day after the flavors develop more in the fridge.

Conclusion

This spaghetti meat sauce recipe is a true classic that’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, it never disappoints. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients, big flavor, and a satisfying result every time.