🍝 Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the sauce:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp salt (or to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the pasta:
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12 oz to 1 lb spaghetti noodles
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Salt for pasta water
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Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil (for topping)
🔪 Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make the sauce:
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In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
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Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute.
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Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Combine and serve:
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Toss drained spaghetti with the sauce or spoon sauce over the noodles on plates.
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Top with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs if desired.
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🍽 Tips & Variations
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Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
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Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or dollop of ricotta before serving.
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Make-ahead: Sauce can be made in advance and frozen for up to 3 months.
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Kid-friendly: Keep it mild and let kids add their own toppings.
Would you like a one-pot spaghetti version, Instant Pot instructions, or a printable recipe card? I can help with that too!