If you’re looking for a spaghetti with meat sauce recipe that’s comforting, reliable, and full of rich flavor, this hearty spaghetti sauce with ground beef is exactly what you need. Made with simple pantry ingredients and simmered to perfection, it’s the kind of classic dinner recipe that brings everyone to the table—again and again.
This recipe is inspired by the well-loved Allrecipes version but rewritten from scratch, expanded, and optimized to be clear, family-friendly, and easy for home cooks of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe
This recipe checks all the right boxes for a dependable weeknight or weekend meal.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen
- Rich, hearty flavor from ground beef and slow-simmered tomatoes
- Customizable with easy swaps and additions
- Great for leftovers and freezer-friendly
- Perfect for families, picky eaters, and casual entertaining
It’s not fancy or complicated—just a classic, comforting spaghetti meat sauce done right.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Main Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Cooked spaghetti (about 12–16 ounces dry pasta)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and texture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Bell pepper: Green pepper adds classic flavor, but red or yellow peppers work too for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Tomatoes: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use crushed tomatoes instead of diced.
- No added sugar needed: Slow simmering naturally mellows the acidity, but you can add ½ teaspoon sugar if desired.
- Herbs: Dried herbs are traditional here, but fresh basil or oregano can be added at the end for brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are soft, about 8–10 minutes.
Carefully drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Base
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer for Flavor
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of water or broth.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Serve
While the sauce finishes simmering, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Serve the meat sauce over hot spaghetti and garnish with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Simmer longer if you can: Even an extra 15 minutes improves flavor.
- Salt gradually: Tomatoes vary in saltiness—taste before adding more.
- Use a wide pot: This helps the sauce reduce evenly without scorching.
- Stir occasionally: Prevents sticking and keeps the sauce smooth.
- Let it rest: The sauce tastes even better after sitting for 10 minutes off heat.
Flavor Variations
Want to change things up? Try one of these easy twists:
- Italian Sausage Boost: Replace half the ground beef with mild Italian sausage.
- Veggie-Loaded Sauce: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots while browning the meat.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Tomato Meat Sauce: Finish with a splash of heavy cream or milk.
- Herb-Forward: Add fresh basil and parsley just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty spaghetti sauce pairs well with more than just pasta:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A simple green salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini
- Served over penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles
It’s also excellent layered into lasagna or spooned over baked potatoes.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values (sauce only, without pasta):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
FAQ About Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe
Can I make this spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavor improves after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Do I need to add sugar to spaghetti sauce?
Not necessarily. This recipe relies on slow simmering to reduce acidity naturally. If your tomatoes are very acidic, a small pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can, but they require peeling, seeding, and longer cooking. Canned tomatoes are more consistent and convenient for this classic spaghetti meat sauce.
What’s the best pasta for meat sauce?
Spaghetti is traditional, but thicker shapes like rigatoni, fettuccine, or pappardelle hold the sauce well and work beautifully.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales very well and is ideal for meal prep, large families, or freezing extra portions.
Final Thoughts
This hearty spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a timeless recipe that proves simple ingredients can create incredible comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or stocking your freezer, this spaghetti with meat sauce recipe delivers rich flavor, flexibility, and dependable results every time.
Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Equipment
- large skillet or saucepan
- wooden spoon
- knife
- cutting board
- pot for pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and vegetables are soft, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste until well combined and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Serve the meat sauce over hot spaghetti and garnish as desired.