Go Back
Delicious homemade meat sauce simmering in a pot for spaghetti

Meat Sauce for Spaghetti

A rich and comforting meat sauce perfect for topping your favorite pasta, made easy for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef This acts as the hearty base of your sauce; lean ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute.
  • 1 small onion diced (about 1 cup) Onion adds depth; shallots work well too.
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic Fresh garlic makes all the difference; garlic powder could be used in a pinch.
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes, peeled They provide that juicy, tangy flavor; you can use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand.
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped Basil brightens the sauce; dried basil is fine if fresh isn’t available, just use less.
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano Oregano enhances the Italian flavor; Italian seasoning is a good alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt Salt is essential for highlighting flavors; adjust according to your taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper It adds a subtle kick; you can use white pepper if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey This balances the acidity of the tomatoes; use stevia for a low-calorie option.

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to a 5-quart saucepan.
  2. Cover and cook over medium heat until beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as you stir occasionally.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar, stirring to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve on top of your favorite pasta or tortellini.

Notes

Don’t rush the simmering process; good flavors need time to meld. Make a double batch and freeze half for those hectic nights. Experiment with different herbs to discover your favorite flavor profile.