A plate of Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce brings comfort, flavor, and nostalgia to the table. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a Sunday family gathering, or a quick dish to satisfy pasta cravings, this recipe never disappoints.
What makes this dish so beloved? It’s all in the rich, savory meat sauce—simmered with herbs, garlic, and tomatoes—poured generously over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s hearty, simple, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) of marinara or pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (6 oz / 170g) tomato paste (optional, for a thicker, richer sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles
- Salt for boiling water
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley or dried Italian herbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation Steps
Cooking the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water to flavor the pasta as it cooks.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. You can drizzle a touch of olive oil on the noodles to keep them from clumping if needed.
Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining—it can help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Preparing the Meat Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, start making the meat sauce.
- In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned throughout. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Once the beef is fully cooked, it’s time to build the sauce.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and tomato paste. The tomato paste adds body and richness.
- Season the sauce with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
Optional: Add a splash of pasta water during simmering if the sauce becomes too thick.
Bringing It All Together
Once the sauce is rich and flavorful, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss everything together gently so the noodles are evenly coated in the meat sauce.
Let the combined pasta and sauce simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow everything to marry. This step brings the flavors into the pasta instead of simply coating the surface.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your spaghetti hot and garnish it with:
- Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs for color and aroma
- A generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness
Pair with crusty garlic bread, a green salad with vinaigrette, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
For a classic Italian-American meal, finish with a glass of red wine or a sparkling citrus drink.
Tips for Success
- Use quality beef: Ground chuck (80/20) provides good fat for flavor without becoming greasy. Leaner beef works too—just watch for dryness.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the sauce cook slowly for at least 15 minutes develops deeper flavor. Longer simmering (30–40 minutes) is even better.
- Layer the seasoning: Add herbs early for infusion and taste the sauce at the end to adjust with extra salt or pepper.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente gives the best texture and holds up well when tossed with sauce.
- Make it your own: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or a pinch of sugar if your sauce tastes too acidic.
Variations to Try
- Meaty Mix: Add ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a beef-pork blend for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Sauté chopped carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the onion.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in a scoop of ricotta or mascarpone cheese for creamier sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced chili for heat lovers.
- Herb Freshness: Stir in fresh basil or thyme at the end for a garden-fresh aroma.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles or serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
To reheat:
- Use a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce without drying out the noodles.
- Microwaving also works, but stir halfway through to heat evenly.
Freeze the meat sauce separately (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before tossing with fresh-cooked spaghetti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pasta sauce instead of jarred?
Absolutely! If you have a homemade marinara or tomato sauce, it will elevate the dish even more. Just be sure it’s well-seasoned.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Skip the beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same.
Is tomato paste necessary?
It’s optional but highly recommended if you want a thicker, more intense sauce. You can omit it for a lighter texture.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a big family.
What kind of pasta works best besides spaghetti?
You can use linguine, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni—anything that holds onto sauce well.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is the definition of comfort food—simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s a dish that appeals to kids and adults alike and works for everything from quick weeknight meals to relaxed dinner parties.
With minimal prep and accessible ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation. Once you master the base, you can personalize it endlessly—from vegetables and herbs to different meats or even spicy tweaks.