Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Introduction

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of classic spaghetti to bring comfort and flavor to the table. This recipe features a rich, savory meat sauce paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti, making it an easy and satisfying meal for weeknights or family gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a timeless favorite!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti

• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Stir in ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and spaghetti.

2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.

3. Drain the spaghetti, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the spaghetti with the meat sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

2. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or basil and Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the meat with diced mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.

• Extra veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition.

• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

• Meal prep: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This classic spaghetti recipe is a versatile, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always hits the spot. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to share how your spaghetti turned out!

Happy cooking! 🍝

Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!