Welcome to a classic favorite that promises to turn your mealtime into a delightful experience – Spaghetti with Sauce with Ground Beef. This dish is more than just pasta and meat; it’s a harmonious blend of rich, savory flavors that come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for any day of the week, yet special enough for occasions, this recipe stands out for its simplicity, taste, and the warmth it brings to the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this spaghetti with sauce and ground beef is a must-try. Its special blend of herbs, spices, and quality ingredients make it not just a meal, but an experience worth savoring.
Imagine a recipe so beloved that it becomes a symbol of home. For us, this Spaghetti with Sauce with Ground Beef is exactly that. It started as a simple weeknight dinner, but quickly turned into the highlight of our culinary traditions. The first time I made it, my husband was late from work, tired and hungry. The moment he walked in, the aroma of the simmering sauce seemed to wash away his fatigue. With every bite, I saw his spirits lift, and by the end of the meal, our kitchen was filled with laughter and plans for the next time we’d have it.
It wasn’t long before this dish became more than just a recipe; it was a request for celebrations, a remedy for bad days, and a way to welcome friends into our home. It’s the dish our children ask for on their birthdays, and the recipe friends beg to take home. This spaghetti with sauce and ground beef has not just filled our stomachs, but our hearts with memories that will last a lifetime.
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti with Sauce with Ground Beef
- A Timeless Classic: Enjoy a dish that never goes out of style, blending the comforting flavors of ground beef with a rich, tomato-based sauce.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making dinner time a joy for everyone.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to make it your own.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein and can be made healthier with whole wheat spaghetti or by adding more veggies.
Ingredients Notes For Spaghetti with Sauce with Ground Beef
- Quality Ground Beef: The foundation of the sauce, providing richness and depth.
- Rich Tomato Sauce: The backbone of the dish, enveloping the pasta in warm, tomatoey goodness.
- Aromatic Vegetables: Onions and garlic, finely chopped for a flavor base that’s both subtle and essential.
- Herbs and Spices: A blend of basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth and complexity.
Recipe Steps
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce and herbs, bringing the mixture to a simmer before combining it with the beef.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, garnish with grated Parmesan, and serve warm.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months for an easy, reheatable meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- Ground beef: 1 lb (about 450g)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 28 oz (about 800g)
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Red wine: 1/2 cup (optional, can enhance flavor)
For the Spaghetti:
- Spaghetti noodles: 1 lb (about 450g)
- Salt: for boiling water
Optional for Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red wine (if using). If the sauce is too acidic, a teaspoon of sugar can be added to balance the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
- Combine and Serve:
- You can either toss the spaghetti with the sauce in the pot or serve the noodles on plates and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.