Homemade Spaghetti with Ground Beef is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The rich and savory ground beef sauce pairs beautifully with the pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal. Here’s how to make it from scratch!
Homemade Spaghetti with Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean or regular beef, based on your preference)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother texture)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
- Salt, for the pasta water
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat if needed, and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add 1 tsp of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt (this helps flavor the pasta).
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente).
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water (this can help thin out the sauce later if needed).
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the pasta, and top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal!
Tips & Variations:
- Veggie add-ins: You can add extra veggies to the sauce, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy version: If you like your sauce spicy, you can add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
- Cheese lovers: For a cheesy touch, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta after plating, and broil it for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
- For a richer sauce: Add a splash of cream or milk toward the end of cooking to make the sauce creamier.
- Slow-cooked version: For more developed flavors, you can simmer the sauce for a longer time (up to an hour) on low heat, stirring occasionally. The longer the simmer, the deeper the flavor.
This Homemade Spaghetti with Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or your family. It’s simple yet flavorful, with rich tomato sauce and tender ground beef that coats the spaghetti beautifully.
Enjoy your homemade spaghetti! Let me know if you’d like more tips or variations!