Amazing Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce 1 Hour

Oh, spaghetti! Is there anything more comforting than a big ol’ bowl of Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce? This dish is pure magic, the kind of meal that instantly makes any night feel like a special family dinner. I can still remember my mom making this when I was a kid, and the aroma just filled the whole house – pure happiness! Over the years, I’ve tweaked my own recipe just a bit, but the heart of it, that rich, slow-simmered sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, stays true. It’s one of those go-to recipes that I know will always hit the spot, a true testament to simple, delicious home cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can totally nail this. The flavor? Oh my gosh, it’s so rich and savory from that slow-simmered sauce – pure comfort food heaven! Plus, it’s a meal that always gets rave reviews from the whole family, from the pickiest eaters to the grown-ups. And the best part? It’s super versatile. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, this classic spaghetti always hits the spot.

Ingredients for Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this amazing, soul-warming dish. It’s not fancy, but oh boy, does it deliver flavor! Here’s the rundown:

• 1 pound ground beef – I like a nice medium fat content; it adds so much flavor!
• 1 large onion, chopped – make sure it’s chopped up nice and fine.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is a MUST here, trust me.
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – this is the base of our luscious sauce.
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste – for that deep, concentrated tomato goodness.
• 1/2 cup water – helps thin the sauce just right.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing our aromatics.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – classic Italian herb that’s just perfect.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – another essential herb that sings with tomatoes.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – to bring all those flavors together.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – just a little kick!
• 1 pound spaghetti – the perfect vehicle for all that delicious sauce!
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving – don’t skip this; it’s the crown jewel.

Tips for the Best Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Okay, friends, let’s talk about elevating your Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce from good to absolutely unforgettable! It’s all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years. First, when you’re browning that ground beef, don’t be afraid to really get it nice and brown. Not burnt, mind you, but golden brown! That’s where a huge chunk of flavor comes from. Then, give those onions and garlic a good sauté until they’re sweet and super fragrant – it makes a world of difference. And the simmering time? The longer, the better! Seriously, letting that sauce bubble away on low heat for an hour or two develops such an incredible depth. It’s worth the wait, trust me! For more pasta inspiration, check out this Italian Pasta Salad or my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Now, about the ingredients. I swear by ground beef for that classic taste, but if you want something a little lighter, ground turkey or even a mix of ground beef and pork works beautifully. For the tomatoes, crushed tomatoes are my go-to because they break down perfectly into the sauce. If yours tastes a little too tangy, a tiny pinch of sugar can work wonders to balance it out. And hey, don’t be afraid to add some extra veggies! Finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can totally sneak into the sauce and no one will even know. It’s all about making it your own!

How to Prepare Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is super straightforward, I promise. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get that restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a winner!

First things first, grab a big, heavy pot or a Dutch oven. Drizzle in your olive oil and let it get warm over medium heat. Toss in that ground beef and get it all nice and browned, breaking it up into little pieces as you go. Once it’s all cooked and not pink anymore, carefully drain off any extra grease – we want flavor, not a grease slick! Then, add your chopped onion to that same pot and let it soften up until it’s nice and translucent, usually about 5 minutes. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 60 seconds until you can really smell it – don’t let it burn!

Now for the magic sauce ingredients! Stir in your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and that half cup of water. Add your dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir. Bring the whole mixture up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down super low, pop a lid on it, and let it do its thing. Seriously, let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring every now and then. If you’ve got the time, letting it go for an hour or even two will make the flavor even richer and deeper. You can also do some other amazing things while the sauce simmers, like whip up some Garlic Butter Beef, or maybe try some Tender Braised Short Ribs for another night!

If you’re making a big batch, portions of this sauce are fantastic over Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle too!

Cooking the Spaghetti

While your sauce is busy developing all that amazing flavor, get a big pot of water boiling for your spaghetti. Add a good pinch of salt to the water – it really makes a difference in the pasta’s taste! Add your spaghetti and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly *al dente*, which just means it has a slight bite to it. Drain it really well so it’s ready for that glorious sauce.

Assembling and Serving Your Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Now for the grand finale! Spoon that rich, hearty meat sauce generously over your perfectly cooked spaghetti. Don’t be shy! And of course, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top is absolutely essential. It’s the perfect finishing touch that ties everything together. Serve it up hot and enjoy every single bite!

Serving Suggestions for Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This hearty spaghetti is fantastic all on its own, but it really shines with a few perfect partners! A big, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is always a winner to cut through the richness. And you absolutely *have* to have some crusty bread on the side – I love making a loaf of Fresh Italian Bread for dipping up every last bit of sauce. For a veggie boost, some lightly seasoned roasted vegetables, like the ones in my Roasted Veggie Tahini Yogurt dish, are always a great idea!

Storage and Reheating Your Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is even better the next day. Just let the sauce and pasta cool down completely. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions of the sauce for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave it until hot. If you stored it with the pasta, you can reheat it all together in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a tiny splash of water if it seems a bit thick!

Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Got questions about making the best Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce? I’ve got you covered!

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce is actually *better* made ahead of time. The flavors have more time to meld together beautifully. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?

Classic spaghetti is obviously my favorite here – it just grabs the sauce so perfectly! But honestly, this rich meat sauce would be amazing over rigatoni, penne, or even tossed with some pappardelle if you’re feeling fancy. Just make sure to cook your pasta *al dente*!

How can I make the sauce even richer?

For an extra rich sauce, let it simmer for longer! The longer it bubbles away on low heat, the more the flavors concentrate. You can also add a splash of red wine when you’re sautéing the onions and garlic – let it bubble down and almost completely evaporate before adding the tomatoes. Yum!

Can I freeze this spaghetti sauce?

Yes, you can totally freeze the meat sauce! It freezes really well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely first, then pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s my little secret weapon for super quick weeknight dinners!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, like a little ballpark figure! They can change depending on the brands of ingredients you use and exactly how you make it. This is for one generous serving, usually around 1.5 cups of spaghetti with sauce. So, here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting:

Calories: 550

Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 80mg

Sodium: 700mg

Carbohydrates: 65g

Fiber: 8g

Sugar: 10g

Protein: 30g

Print