This homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The recipe calls for ground beef, tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and Italian seasonings, making it quick and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect dish for a family dinner, and the best part is that it’s easy to store for later use. You’ll love the rich, garlicky flavors and how it complements a bowl of pasta. Top it off with some Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup button mushrooms, diced

• ½ red bell pepper, diced

• 1 can (23 oz) tomato sauce

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth/water)

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp oregano (or Italian seasoning)

• 1 tsp sugar

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tbsp behind.

2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in the bell pepper, mushrooms, salt, and pepper, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened.

4. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, and sugar. Mix well.

5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Season with salt to taste, and serve over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Nutrients (per serving – 4 servings)

• Calories: 184 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 17 g

• Protein: 14 g

• Total Fat: 9 g

  • Saturated Fat: 3 g

• Sodium: 600 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Vitamin A: 215 IU

• Vitamin C: 15 mg

• Calcium: 60 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

A Quick and Easy Meal for Busy Nights

One of the most appealing aspects of Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef is its simplicity and ease of preparation. With just a few ingredients, you can have a flavorful and filling meal on the table in less than an hour. The recipe requires minimal preparation and can be made using basic kitchen staples, such as ground beef, tomato sauce, garlic, and onions. You don’t need any specialized tools or techniques to make this dish; a large pot and a few minutes of chopping are all you need. Whether you’re preparing dinner after a long day or planning a meal for the week, this recipe is a go-to for busy nights when you need something quick yet satisfying.

The Perfect Blend of Ingredients

The key to a great spaghetti meat sauce lies in the perfect combination of ingredients. Ground beef is the foundation of this sauce, providing rich flavor and a satisfying texture. The beef is browned in olive oil, which helps to release its fat and create a delicious base for the sauce. Onions and garlic are then sautéed in the same pot, adding depth and fragrance to the sauce. The vegetables—such as bell peppers and mushrooms—add not only extra nutrition but also a wonderful texture and earthiness to the sauce. These ingredients, combined with the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of the tomato paste, create a well-rounded flavor profile. Italian seasonings such as oregano and sugar balance the tanginess of the tomatoes, creating a sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet. The addition of beef broth (or chicken broth) helps to round out the sauce, adding richness and a smooth consistency.

A Sauce That Gets Better with Time

As with many meat-based sauces, the flavors of Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef deepen and improve as it simmers. Allowing the sauce to cook for at least 30 minutes helps the ingredients to meld together, with the beef becoming tender and the vegetables softening to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The longer the sauce simmers, the more developed and complex the taste becomes. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time, as it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated for later use. If you have leftovers, the sauce will continue to absorb more flavor as it sits, making it just as delicious—if not more—on the second day.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

While Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef is often seen as a classic weeknight dinner, it’s also a versatile dish that can be served on many occasions. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a meal prep option for the week, this dish can easily adapt to your needs. You can serve it with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, or even use it as a filling for baked dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells. The sauce can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes, garlic bread, or polenta for a different twist. The simplicity of the recipe allows for flexibility, and you can even add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or carrots, to make it more nutrient-dense. It’s a comforting, all-around dish that suits various meal styles and occasions.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef is an excellent option for meal prep. The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for several meals throughout the week. The sauce also freezes well, which means you can make a large batch and store it for future use. This makes it a great option for busy individuals who want to have homemade, hearty meals ready to go at any time. Simply reheat the sauce and pair it with fresh pasta for a quick and satisfying meal that feels like it was just made. This versatility makes Spaghetti Meat Sauce a convenient and delicious option for those who want to save time while still enjoying homemade meals.

Customizing the Dish to Suit Your Taste

Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can use lean ground beef or substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken. For a more veggie-packed sauce, try adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots, which will not only increase the nutritional value of the dish but also add color and texture. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes or experimenting with different seasonings like basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes. For those who prefer a richer sauce, a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own, tailoring the ingredients to your liking while still maintaining its comforting essence.

Pairing the Dish with the Perfect Sides

To round out the meal, consider pairing Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef with a few complementary sides. A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread, with its crunchy, buttery texture, is another perfect side, offering a satisfying crunch that complements the tender pasta and savory sauce. If you’re looking for something heartier, steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or roasted bell peppers are excellent additions. The balance between the richness of the meat sauce and the lightness of the sides ensures that the meal is both satisfying and well-rounded.

A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion

One of the reasons Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef is so popular is because it’s a true crowd-pleaser. The flavors are universally appealing, making it a great dish for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even special occasions like holidays or potlucks. The ingredients are simple, and the end result is a dish that everyone can enjoy, from picky eaters to foodies alike. Its comfort food qualities also make it an ideal dish to share with loved ones, creating a sense of warmth and togetherness. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s simmering only adds to its appeal, making it the kind of dish that people look forward to.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Beef is a timeless dish that offers both comfort and flavor in every bite. With its rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and delicious blend of seasonings, it’s a dish that can easily become a weeknight staple or a go-to option for entertaining. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the depth of flavor, makes it an accessible and satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The beauty of Spaghetti Meat Sauce lies in its versatility, ease of preparation, and the fact that it’s a meal that everyone can enjoy. By tweaking it to your tastes and pairing it with complementary sides, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.