Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Nothing beats a bowl of spaghetti smothered in a rich, homemade meat sauce. This recipe features tender ground chuck, fresh vegetables, and a medley of Italian spices that will bring the warmth and comfort of traditional Italian cuisine straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this spaghetti meat sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details of creating this delicious dish!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a deeply flavorful sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs of ground chuck: For a hearty, rich flavor. Ground chuck provides the right balance of fat and meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful sauce.
• 1 can of diced tomatoes: Adds texture and acidity.
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes: Provides the smooth base of the sauce.
• 2 cans of tomato sauce: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and thickens the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil imparts a fruity richness to the sauce.
• 5 cloves of fresh garlic, minced: A must for any good Italian sauce, garlic adds depth and aroma.
• 1 large onion (or 2 medium onions), diced: Provides sweetness and texture.
• 1 green pepper, diced: Adds a mild, sweet flavor that complements the tomatoes and beef.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds additional depth and savory notes.
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley: For a touch of freshness.
• 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil: Basil gives the sauce a sweet, slightly peppery note.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and marjoram that adds complexity.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A key flavor in traditional Italian sauces.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Follow these simple steps to create a rich, flavorful sauce that will impress even the toughest critics.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In an extra-large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil is the foundation of the sauce, so heating it properly ensures it will blend well with the vegetables and meat.
2. Add the Diced Vegetables: Once the oil is heated, add the diced onions and diced green pepper to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the onions and peppers.
3. Cook the Garlic: Add 5 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly browned. This step is crucial for building the sauce’s flavor base, as garlic provides an aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Chuck

1. Add the Ground Chuck: After the vegetables have softened and the garlic is browned, add 2 lbs of ground chuck to the skillet. Cook the beef until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain the Grease: Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, carefully drain off any excess grease. Removing the grease ensures that your sauce isn’t too oily and helps maintain a rich, tomato-forward flavor.

Step 3: Season the Meat

1. Season the Beef: After draining the grease, stir in the spices to coat the browned meat. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 tablespoons minced parsley, 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
2. Stir the Seasonings: Mix the seasonings thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This step locks in the rich, aromatic flavors of the garlic, basil, and oregano.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Components

1. Add the Canned Tomatoes: Next, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the seasoned meat mixture. The diced tomatoes will add texture, while the crushed tomatoes create the base for the sauce.
2. Add the Tomato Sauce: Finally, add 2 cans of tomato sauce to the skillet. The tomato sauce will thicken the mixture and bring all the flavors together.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

1. Lower the Heat: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a rich and robust taste.

Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Boil the Pasta: While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package directions (usually about 7 to 8 minutes for al dente).
2. Add Olive Oil to the Pasta Water: To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water.
3. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain the water and set the spaghetti aside.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

1. Add the Sauce to the Pasta: Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, ladle the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the rich, flavorful sauce.
2. Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch, you can garnish your dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions: How to Elevate Your Spaghetti Meat Sauce

This Spaghetti Meat Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up the extra sauce.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the rich sauce.
• Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan, Romano, or Pecorino cheese over the top of your spaghetti for an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the hearty flavors of the meat sauce.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Meat Sauce

• Choose Quality Meat: Ground chuck has a good balance of fat and flavor, but you can also use ground beef, turkey, or a mixture of beef and pork if you prefer.
• Simmer Longer for Deeper Flavor: If you have time, allow the sauce to simmer for up to 2 hours. This will give the spices time to fully infuse the sauce with flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out slightly.
• Batch Cooking: This recipe makes a generous amount of sauce. You can freeze leftovers for future meals just store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion: A Timeless Spaghetti Meat Sauce for Every Occasion

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of spaghetti drenched in a hearty, flavorful meat sauce. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a large family gathering or meal prepping for the week, this Spaghetti Meat Sauce recipe is the perfect go-to. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen.

The best part? This sauce tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy it all week long! Happy cooking!