Experience the classic taste of homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef that’s been a cherished family favorite for generations. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this hearty sauce is rich in flavor and sure to please everyone at the table—especially your husband! Serve it over your favorite hot cooked pasta for an unforgettable meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients for the Best Spaghetti Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this restaurant-quality spaghetti sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty base and rich flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a savory sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with robust flavor.
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced: Brings a subtle crunch and freshness.
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes: Forms the foundation of the sauce.
- 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste: Adds depth and richness.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: For that classic Italian flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Complements the oregano with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and spice.
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect spaghetti sauce:
Step 1:
Gather all the ingredients.
Step 2:
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and crumbly and the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Season the mixture with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until it’s thick and aromatic.
Step 4:
Serve hot over your favorite cooked pasta, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of homemade spaghetti sauce.
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Sauce
How to Thicken Spaghetti Sauce:
If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it longer to reduce excess liquid, or create a cornstarch slurry (1 part water to 1 part cornstarch) and stir it in until the desired consistency is reached.
Customizing Your Sauce:
Feel free to adjust the herbs to suit your taste. Add parsley for a fresh note, or spice it up with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, portion the sauce into zip-top bags, flatten, and freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat thawed sauce on the stove, stirring occasionally.
What to Serve with Spaghetti
Pair your spaghetti with any of these delicious sides:
- Toasted Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad Supreme: A crisp and tangy complement to your meal.
- Sautéed Zucchini: Light and healthy, with a hint of garlic and Parmesan.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 185
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 931mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 12g
- Vitamin C: 28mg
- Calcium: 72mg
- Iron: 4mg
- Potassium: 785mg
This spaghetti sauce with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. Enjoy the classic Italian flavors in every bite!