Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spaghetti Meat Sauce is packed with savory depth thanks to the rich blend of ground chuck, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. The combination of diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce creates a thick, flavorful base that clings perfectly to pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this sauce is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect pairing for a comforting plate of spaghetti, and its flavors develop even further if made ahead of time!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 907g ground chuck
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400g)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (400g)
• 2 cans tomato sauce (800g total)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 large onion or 2 medium onions, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onions, and diced green pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent.
2. Add the ground chuck to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, sweet basil, Italian seasoning, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve the sauce hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with extra parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to give the sauce a spicy kick.
• Different meats: Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be substituted for ground chuck for a lighter version or to vary the flavor.
• Meatless version: For a vegetarian version, skip the ground meat and use lentils or a combination of mushrooms and beans for texture and protein.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover spaghetti meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the ground chuck. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for leaner meats.

2. Can I freeze this meat sauce?

Yes, this spaghetti meat sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. How long should I simmer the sauce for?

Simmer the sauce for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. If you have more time, simmering for an hour or more can further deepen the flavors.

4. Can I add more herbs to this sauce?

Absolutely! You can experiment with additional herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for a unique twist.

5. Is this sauce spicy?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to adjust the heat level to your liking.

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned ones. Use about 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped, and cook them down until they break apart into a sauce.

7. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, spaghetti meat sauce actually tastes even better after it has had time to sit and the flavors develop. You can make it a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

8. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this sauce in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

9. What can I serve with this spaghetti meat sauce?

Serve this meat sauce over spaghetti, but it also pairs well with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a side salad.

10. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?

If the sauce is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste to help thicken it.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the heartiness of ground beef and tomatoes together with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s simple to make and packed with savory goodness, making it the perfect sauce to serve over your favorite pasta. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this classic recipe is sure to satisfy every time!

Print