Okay, friends, let me tell you about *the* spaghetti sauce. The one I make whenever I need comfort food, the one my kids beg for, and honestly, the one that puts all jarred sauces to shame. If you think a jarred sauce is good, prepare to have your mind blown. This **homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce** is *that* good. It’s way easier than you think, and the depth of flavor you get is just incredible. This is not your average sauce; it’s warm, rich, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory, almost like a bolognese, but with my own little twist for weeknight simplicity. Honestly, if you’ve ever tried a good marinara recipe, imagine that amped up with ground meat and a few extra secrets… this is it!
What is Spaghetti Meat Sauce?
What are some of the best Comfort Food recipes for spaghetti sauce? It’s a sauce made from slowly simmered tomatoes, herbs, and spices, enriched with ground meat. Is it a tradition in Italian-American households? Is there a secret version of every one of them? Well, it leans heavily on fresh herbs and a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the grapes. It’s a symphony of flavors that come together over time, creating something truly special. I’ve been making it for years, tweaking it here and there, until I landed on what I consider to be the best. What is the perfect recipe
Why I love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is out of this world. We’re talking a rich, complex tomato base infused with savory meat and fragrant herbs. The secret? A little bit of sugar (don’t knock it ’til you try it!) and a whole lotta love. What I love most about this is how simple it actually is to make. Don’t get intimidated by the “homemade” label. This recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and comes together in under an hour. It’s also ridiculously cost-effective. Ground meat and canned tomatoes are budget-friendly staples. Plus, a big batch of this **homemade spaghetti Meat Sauce** can feed a crowd or be portioned out for easy weeknight dinners.
It’s super versatile too! Obviously, it’s amazing on spaghetti, but you can also use it for lasagna, baked ziti, or even as a topping for pizza. I’ve even been known to just eat it straight from the pot with a spoon (don’t judge!). If you’re a fan of my quick marinara Sauce Recipe, you’ll definitely fall in love with this richer, meatier version. What’s not to love, right? This beats any store-bought sauce. Trust me.
How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?
Quick Overview
How do you make Spaghetti Sauce? What is the best way to brown meat with onions and garlic? Then, you’ll add the tomatoes, herbs, spices, and let it simmer until everything melds together. What is the best way to make a rich sauce? The simmering is key, as it allows the flavors to deepen. Don’t rush it! I promise, the extra time is worth it. What are some ways to make this sauce even better? Use canned tomatoes. What makes a world of difference?
Ingredients
What is the main sauce?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is my go-to) * 1/4 medium yellow onion, 1 teaspoon salt. 1 can crushed tomatoes – San Marzano if you can find them. * 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce *1 (6-1/2-inch) teaspoon dried oregano*1 teaspoon salt *2 teaspoons dried thyme *3 tablespoons kosher salt* 1 teaspoon toasted almonds* 3 teaspoon basil * 1/2 teaspoon dried basil * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste) * 1 tablespoon dried parsley * *1 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon sugar (trust me! ) * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish.
Optional Add-in
* 1/2 cup red wine (adds a deeper flavor) * 1 bay leaf (remove before serving) What are some good pepper flakes?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Brown the Meat
How do you heat olive oil in a Dutch oven? Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease. I always use 80/20 ground beef because it has enough fat to give the sauce a rich flavor without overpowering it. Is it too greasy? Is it safe to use leaner ground beef?
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you cook garlic? I find that cooking the onion and garlic before adding the tomatoes really helps to develop their flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well. If you’re using red wine, add it now. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes. If you can’t stir for at least an hour, stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be! I always add a bay leaf for extra depth of flavor, but make sure to remove it before serving.
Step 4: Add Parsley
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce. I always save a little extra parsley for garnish.
Step 5: Serve
Serve spaghetti meat sauce over pasta. I love it with spaghetti, but it’s also great with penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you like. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and extra parsley. What are some good crusty breads to serve with all the sauce?
What should I serve it with?
This **homemade spaghetti meat sauce** is a star on its own, but it’s even better when served with grilled chicken. What are the right accompaniments?What is the best Italian meal?Serve it with a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing and some garlic bread. What is a classic song?What is a hearty dinner? Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. The sweetness of the vegetables complements the savory sauce perfectly.
For a Crowd-Pleasing FeastHow do I make lasagna with this sauce?For a Cozy Night In:Enjoy it with a glass of red wine and good movies. What is the perfect comfort food for a relaxing evening?
How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?
How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce? What is the best meat sauce?Use Good Quality Tomatoes: Use good qualityWhat is the difference between a single day and two weeks? I like San Marzano tomatoes, but any good quality crushed tomatoes will work.Don’t skip the sugar: Why?A little bit of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a richer, more flavorful tomato. What is the best flavorWhat is simmer, SimmerThe longer you simmer the sauce, the better the flavor will be. I usually simmer it for 30 minutes, but an hour is even better.Add a splash of red wine to your favorite dish.Red wine adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. If you don’t have red wine, use balsamic vinegar instead.Don’t be afraid to experiment.What is a good recipe to start with? Feel free to add your own favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables. I’ve added mushrooms, bell peppers, and even a little bit of hot sauce to mine before. What’s the best way to use them?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What are some good ways to make spaghetti sauce in the refrigerator? Is it safe to store it in an airtight container? To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or microwave. To reheat, simply heat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s just starting to bubble. What is heated through? If you can reheat it in the microwave, be careful not to overheat it. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or broth.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for **homemade spaghetti meat sauce**. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This sauce isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the memories you create while making and sharing it. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy pasta dishes, like my creamy pesto pasta or my lemon garlic shrimp pasta. Happy cooking!
1. "Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: 7 Secrets to a Family Favorite Dish!"
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 tsp Salt Or to taste
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper Or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and enjoy!
