Introduction: The Best Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Nothing beats a rich, hearty, and flavorful homemade spaghetti meat sauce simmered to perfection. This recipe is packed with juicy ground beef, Italian herbs, garlic, and a savory tomato base that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
Unlike store-bought sauces, this homemade version is free of preservatives and has a deep, slow-cooked taste that gets better with time. Whether you’re making a big batch for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or freezing for later, this spaghetti meat sauce is a staple you’ll want to keep in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
- 2 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added richness)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
- Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
- While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Spoon the sauce over the cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- For deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for an hour or longer.
- Want a thicker sauce? Reduce the amount of beef broth or let it simmer uncovered.
- For a touch of sweetness, add a grated carrot instead of sugar.
- If you like extra meaty sauce, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Make it creamy by stirring in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end.
Variations
Keto Version
- Swap spaghetti noodles for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles.
- Use heavy cream instead of sugar to balance acidity.
Low-Carb Version
- Serve over spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Reduce the amount of tomatoes slightly to lower carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 6-7 fresh Roma tomatoes, peeled and blended.
2. How long does this sauce last?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
4. What other meats can I use?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavors.
5. Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Conclusion: A Classic Sauce for Every Occasion
This Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making extra to freeze, this sauce is versatile, easy to make, and absolutely delicious.
Make it tonight and enjoy a plate of perfectly sauced spaghetti! 🍝
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