Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

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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

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  5. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

  1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
  3. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

  1. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

  1. While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
  2. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  1. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
  2. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
  3. Spoon the sauce over the cooked spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan.
  4. 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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