Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

The scent of this spaghetti sauce, which makes the ground beef spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove, is just divine. Intense, savory flavors create a symphony in this simple recipe.

meat sauce for spaghetti

By simmering ground beef in spaghetti sauce, the umami is condensed and you can enjoy the harmony of umami and sweetness. Tomatoes release natural sugars as they cook, reducing their sourness.

Fragrant ingredients like garlic and onions add depth to the spaghetti meat sauce, while herbs like basil, oregano and thyme add earthy flavor. You will love the smell of your home while making this dish.

Spaghetti sauce recipe with meat

The recipes here are very adaptable. I often add slices of mushrooms or chopped green peppers when making this. However, as written, spaghetti meat sauce is a staple in our house.

My boys love heat, so I always use red pepper flakes in this recipe.

If you end up changing things, please let me know how it worked out. I would love to know!

If you are in a hurry, shorten the cooking time and simmer for a few minutes before serving. However, we do not recommend using this shortcut.

Spaghetti meat sauce is a little thinner than the image below. And it doesn’t develop as much flavor as after simmering and waiting for the sauce to thicken over time.

spaghetti meat sauce

To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef
• onions and garlic
• crushed tomatoes and tomato puree
• oregano, basil, salt, black pepper
• Optional red pepper flakes, Italian parsley
• Optional freshly grated parmesan cheese

How to make spaghetti meat sauce

Want to know how to make spaghetti meat sauce? Only a few steps are required. Let me show you how.

Start by cooking and crumbling the ground beef in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Then add the onions and garlic to the pan. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions begin to soften.

Add mashed tomatoes, tomato puree, and spices to meat mixture. If you have an Italian seasoning mix on hand, you can substitute two tablespoons of oregano and basil in this recipe.

Stir, then bring to a simmer. When it starts bubbling, lower the heat and bring it to a slow simmer. The best thing about this spaghetti sauce recipe with meat is that you only need to stir it occasionally while it simmers.

Cook until the sauce thickens, usually 30 to 60 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

spaghetti with meat sauce

If you enjoy spaghetti with meat sauce, you will love this recipe. I like pairing it with light salads like this strawberry spinach salad, and his honey cider dressing for this spinach and apple salad is also one of my favorites.

And who can eat spaghetti without a slice of buttery garlic bread fresh out of the oven?

If you don’t want veggies in your sauce, you can also recommend baking those veggies.For a lighter option, this 5-Minute Basil Marinara Sauce is meat-free and absolutely fantastic.I plan to make this too spaghetti casserolesoon.