Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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Picture this: It’s a cozy Sunday afternoon, and the delicious aroma of homemade spaghetti sauce fills the air. The sound of laughter and chatter echoes through the kitchen as my family gathers together, eagerly anticipating their favorite meal. The memories of these moments are etched in my heart, each bite of spaghetti carrying love and comfort.

There’s something magical about spaghetti with meat sauce. It’s a dish that brings people together, creating lasting connections and cherished traditions. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this easy recipe is a go-to for families all around.

What makes this homemade spaghetti sauce so special? It’s the combination of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, transformed into a rich and flavorful sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. It’s the versatility that allows you to create not just a plate of spaghetti, but also other mouthwatering dishes like Spaghetti Pie, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Lasagna, and Instant Pot Spaghetti.

To make this delectable sauce, start by browning ground beef and onion. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of sugar. Then, let it simmer on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a sauce that’s both comforting and robust.

But what sets spaghetti sauce apart from marinara or pizza sauce? While they all share a tomato base, marinara is often meatless, and pizza sauce is uncooked and specific to pizza. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, is simmered to perfection, enhancing the flavors and creating a depth that elevates any dish.

And here’s the best part: You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for future use. So, whether you’re planning a family gathering or looking for a quick and satisfying meal on a busy weeknight, this homemade spaghetti with meat sauce has got you covered.

Get ready to experience the warmth, comfort, and joy that can be found in a simple plate of spaghetti with meat sauce. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of this family favorite recipe.

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to homemade spaghetti sauce, this recipe has it all. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also offers a versatile and delectable flavor that will leave you craving more. Here are five reasons why you’ll fall in love with this spaghetti with meat sauce:

1. Simple and Convenient: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it an easy recipe to whip up on any given day. You don’t need to make a special trip to the store for complex ingredients.
2. Versatile Sauce for Various Dishes: The homemade spaghetti sauce in this recipe can be used beyond just a regular spaghetti meal. It offers a rich and savory flavor that complements other dishes like Spaghetti Pie, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Lasagna, and more.
3. Rich and Flavorsome: By simmering the sauce for an extended period, the flavors meld together, resulting in a rich flavors that penetrate every mouthful. The blend of seasonings, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce give this sauce a depth that will make your taste buds dance.
4. Make Ahead and Freeze: Life can get busy, and there’s nothing better than having a meal ready to go when you need it. This recipe allows you to make ahead and freeze the spaghetti with meat sauce, so you always have a satisfying meal on hand.
5. A Family Favorite: This homemade spaghetti with meat sauce has been a hit among families for generations. Its classic and comforting taste brings everyone to the table, creating moments of togetherness and nostalgia. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.

With its homemade touch, easy preparation, versatility, rich flavors, and ability to be made ahead and frozen, this spaghetti with meat sauce recipe is a keeper. It’s time to bring the taste of hearty, homemade goodness to your kitchen.

Ingredient List + Possible Substitutions

To make this spaghetti with meat sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients: ground beef (or a combination of ground beef and ground Italian sausage), onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and spaghetti noodles.

While these are the recommended ingredients, there are some possible substitutions you can make. For the meat, you can use different ratios of ground beef and ground Italian sausage to adjust the flavor. This will add a delightful richness to the sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use solely ground beef.

Furthermore, you have the opportunity to customize your sauce by incorporating additional spices such as minced garlic, fresh parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes. These additions will elevate the flavors and create a more robust taste profile that will tantalize your taste buds.

Lastly, if you’re not a fan of spaghetti noodles, you can opt for different types of pasta to suit your preferences. However, it’s worth noting that spaghetti noodles are the traditional choice for this classic dish, offering the perfect texture for the luscious meat sauce.

## Classic Hearty Meat Sauce (Ragu/Spaghetti Sauce)

### 1. Ingredients

#### Meat & Aromatics
* **1 Tbsp** Olive oil
* **1/2 lb** Ground beef (preferably 85/15 or 80/20)
* **1/2 lb** Ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed)
* **1** Medium yellow onion, finely chopped
* **2** Carrots, peeled and finely diced (optional, but adds great flavor and body)
* **2** Celery stalks, finely diced (optional, but recommended)
* **4** Cloves garlic, minced

#### Liquid & Tomato Base
* **1/2 cup** Dry red wine (like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti – optional, but highly recommended)
* **1 (28 oz) can** Crushed tomatoes (high quality, like San Marzano style, if possible)
* **1 (15 oz) can** Tomato sauce (plain)
* **1/2 cup** Water or beef/chicken broth

#### Seasoning & Herbs
* **1 Tbsp** Dried oregano
* **1 Tbsp** Dried basil
* **1 tsp** Dried thyme (optional)
* **1** Bay leaf
* **1 tsp** Sugar (balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
* **Salt** and **freshly ground black pepper** to taste

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### 2. Instructions

#### Step 1: Brown the Meat
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and sausage. Break up the meat with a spoon.
3. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess fat from the pot (leaving just a tablespoon or two for flavor).
4. Remove the browned meat from the pot and set it aside, leaving the pot on the heat.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Soffritto)
1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot (if using). Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (do not let the garlic burn).

#### Step 3: Deglaze (The Flavor Boost)
1. Pour in the red wine (if using). Increase the heat and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (this is called *fond* and is full of flavor).
2. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half (about 3-5 minutes). If you are not using wine, skip this step.

#### Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
1. Return the browned meat to the pot.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the 1/2 cup of water/broth.
3. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

#### Step 5: Low and Slow
1. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting (just enough to maintain a very gentle bubble).
2. Cover the pot partially, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
3. **Simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours,** stirring every 30 minutes.
*The long simmer is crucial! It allows the flavors to meld, the acidity to mellow, and the meat and vegetables to become incredibly tender.*
4. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

#### Step 6: Finish and Serve
1. After simmering, remove and discard the bay leaf.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
3. Serve over cooked spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese!

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### Pro Tip for Extra Richness

Stir in **1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half** right at the end of the cooking process. This is a classic Italian touch (especially in Bologna) that rounds out the flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful, velvety texture.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat in the sauce?

Yes, you can use different ratios of ground beef and ground Italian sausage to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Can I customize the sauce with additional ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add garlic, parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes to customize the flavor of the sauce to your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta noodles?

Yes, while spaghetti noodles are the traditional choice, you can use different types of pasta noodles if you prefer.

How long can I store the sauce in the fridge?

You can store the sauce in the fridge for a few days, allowing you to enjoy it for multiple meals.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for future use. Just make sure to properly store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

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