Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce became one of my signature dishes the first year I lived on my own when I realized I could make a big batch and eat well all week so I started experimenting with rich tomato sauces savory herbs and ground beef. I quickly found that a little simmering time and a lot of love turned simple ingredients into something special.

Now it’s a comfort food favorite that I whip up whenever I need a cozy satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table. The sauce is thick flavorful and packed with ground meat sweet tomatoes sautéed vegetables and just the right amount of spice all spooned generously over al dente spaghetti.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ground beef – The base of the sauce adding richness and protein.
• Onion – Brings sweetness and savory depth once cooked.
• Garlic – Enhances everything with its bold aromatic flavor.
• Carrot – Adds a hint of natural sweetness and texture.
• Crushed tomatoes – The main body of the sauce with bold tomato flavor.
• Tomato paste – Adds thickness and deep concentrated tomato richness.
• Italian seasoning – A balanced blend of herbs that adds complexity.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the sauce and balancing flavors.
• Olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and build the flavor base.
• Spaghetti – The perfect pasta to carry all that hearty sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty nutty finish on top.
• Fresh parsley – For a burst of color and freshness at the end.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or saucepan – To brown the meat and simmer the sauce.
• Wooden spoon – For stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks.
• Cutting board and knife – For chopping vegetables.
• Pot for boiling spaghetti – To cook the pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander – For draining the cooked pasta.
• Grater – For freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet then I sauté chopped onion carrot and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Next I add the ground beef to the skillet breaking it up as it cooks. I season it with salt pepper and Italian seasoning then cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add Tomato Components

I stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes letting the mixture come to a simmer. I reduce the heat and let the sauce bubble gently for 20–30 minutes stirring occasionally to thicken and deepen the flavors.

Step 4: Boil the Spaghetti

While the sauce simmers I boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. I drain it well and toss it lightly with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

I spoon a generous amount of meat sauce over a mound of spaghetti then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top for the perfect finish.

Tips

If you want extra richness stir a splash of red wine or a pat of butter into the sauce while it simmers. You can also add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra depth. I sometimes double the sauce and freeze half for a fast dinner later—it reheats beautifully.

Ways to Serve

Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce is a classic weeknight meal and also perfect for cozy Sunday dinners. I like to serve it with garlic bread a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. It’s great for feeding a crowd and makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce ahead of time?

Yes the sauce actually gets better the next day and it keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze the meat sauce?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What type of pasta can I use besides spaghetti?

Penne rigatoni or fettuccine work great with this thick meat sauce too.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce and enjoy it as much as I do! It’s classic comforting and full of flavor and it never fails to satisfy. Don’t forget to save the recipe and let me know how you made it your own!

Happy Cooking!

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