Spaghetti with ground beef sauce

Here’s a classic and comforting recipe for Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce — hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

🍝 Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30–40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28 oz / 796 ml) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

• Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), according to package instructions.

• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water (in case you want to loosen the sauce later).

• Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Ground Beef Sauce:

• In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add a bit of oil (only if beef is very lean).

• Add chopped onion and cook until soft, ~3–4 minutes.

• Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.

• Add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned (no pink remains). Drain excess fat if needed.

• Stir in tomato paste (if using), cook for 1 minute.

• Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer uncovered on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Taste and adjust seasoning. Add Parmesan if desired for richness.

3. Combine:

• Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.

• Simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce.

4. Serve:

• Plate and top with more Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil.

• Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

🍽️ Optional Upgrades:

• Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra veggies.

• Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for deeper flavor.

• Stir in a splash of red wine when browning the meat for a richer sauce.