Name: Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs Ground Chuck; 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes; 1 can (14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes; 2 cans (8 oz each) Tomato Sauce; 3 tablespoons Olive Oil; 5 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 large Onion, chopped (or 2 medium onions); 1 medium Green Bell Pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 2 tablespoons Minced Parsley; 1 teaspoon Dried Sweet Basil; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1 teaspoon Sea Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; to taste Spaghetti Noodles, cooked (enough for desired servings)

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Who doesn’t love a hearty plate of Spaghetti Meat Sauce? This classic comfort food isn’t just a dinner staple—it’s a time-honored tradition that brings families together over warm plates and happy hearts. Crafted with savory ground beef and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is the perfect combination of simplicity and deep flavor. Fun fact: Spaghetti dates back to the 12th century and has evolved into one of the most beloved meals across the globe. Much like our Creamy Alfredo Pasta, this homemade spaghetti meat sauce recipe is quick, easy, and family-approved. So grab your apron and get ready to whip up a delicious, no-fuss dinner that’s sure to become a regular on your menu!

What is Spaghetti Meat Sauce?

At first glance, “Spaghetti Meat Sauce” might sound like just another pasta dish—but don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the name! It’s a soul-warming, flavor-rich blend of spaghetti noodles drenched in a hearty meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Think of it as marinara’s meatier, heartier cousin—the kind that makes everyone come back for seconds. You know what they say: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this one’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Don’t just imagine it—make it, taste it, and let it speak for itself!

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this easy pasta dinner, but here are the top three:

1. Rich and Savory Flavor: The browned ground beef combined with a trio of tomato types creates a sauce that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.

2. Budget-Friendly and Meal-Prep Ready: This dish uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand, saving you money while feeding a crowd. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it perfect for batch cooking.

3. Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Top with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you loved our Zesty Marinara, this version adds that extra layer of satisfaction with a meaty punch!

Get ready to cook up something that checks every box: fast, filling, and full of flavor.

How to Make Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Quick Overview

This easy spaghetti meat sauce comes together in about an hour, but most of the magic happens while it simmers on the stove—giving you time to prep a salad or toast up some garlic bread. With bold Italian spices and a tomato-rich base, it’s the definition of weeknight comfort food.

Ingredients Needed for Spaghetti Meat Sauce

2 lbs ground chuck
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion (or 2 medium), chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Spaghetti noodles (enough for desired servings)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onions, green bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
Brown the Beef: Push the veggies to the side and add the ground chuck. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine.
Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in all the herbs and spices—garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer and Blend: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld into a rich, hearty sauce.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Serve It Up: Spoon the meat sauce over a bed of pasta or toss everything together. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

What to Serve with Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Make your spaghetti dinner complete with these classic pairings:

Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted and buttery—ideal for scooping up extra sauce.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the meat sauce.
Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti, Merlot, or a bold Zinfandel complements the tomato base beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting Homemade Meat Sauce

Meat Variations: Swap ground chuck for turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage to suit your preferences.
Boost the Umami: A splash of red wine or a spoonful of tomato paste adds deeper flavor.
Veggie Add-Ins: Mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded carrots blend in beautifully for added texture and nutrition.
Make It Cheesy: Stir in grated Parmesan or Romano during the last few minutes for a cheesy twist.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen if needed.

Great for meal prep—just make the sauce ahead and boil fresh pasta when ready to serve!

FAQs

Can I make this spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! This meat sauce is naturally gluten-free, so pair it with any gluten-free pasta you like.

Can I make it spicy?
Sure! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Can I turn this into baked spaghetti?
Definitely. Layer cooked pasta, sauce, and shredded cheese in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti Meat Sauce recipe is everything you want in a homemade dinner—comforting, hearty, and full of classic Italian flavor. With easy steps, pantry-friendly ingredients, and room for creativity, it’s no wonder this dish remains a timeless family favorite. So whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or Sunday supper with the whole crew, you’ll be proud to serve this satisfying plate of pasta. Time to grab your fork and dig in!