Spaghetti is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This family-favorite spaghetti recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also bursting with flavor. With a rich and savory meat sauce ready in under 45 minutes, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. You can customize it with your preferred ground meat – beef, turkey, or chicken all work wonderfully – making it a versatile option for any taste.
When it comes to quick and easy pasta dishes, spaghetti with meat sauce is a top contender. This recipe delivers a homemade, deeply flavored meat sauce that perfectly complements the spaghetti noodles. Whether you opt for ground turkey for a leaner version or ground beef for a more traditional taste, the result is always a delicious and comforting meal.
Among the many pasta recipes out there, this spaghetti with meat sauce is a regular request in our home. If you’re in the mood for meatballs instead, you might want to check out our spaghetti and meatballs recipe. For something a bit different, our baked spaghetti is a delightful twist, and for another speedy weeknight option, our chicken Alfredo is always a hit.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Spaghetti
To make this amazing spaghetti, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Spaghetti: The star of the dish! One pound of dried spaghetti is perfect for a family meal.
- Ground Meat: Choose your favorite! Ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken all work wonderfully. One pound is sufficient for a rich sauce.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and building flavor in the sauce.
- Onion: Adds a foundational savory sweetness to the sauce.
- Garlic: A must-have for depth of flavor. Freshly minced garlic is best.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the sauce.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements tomatoes and meat.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a subtle warmth and kick.
- Water (or Broth/Wine): Helps to create the sauce consistency and adds another layer of flavor. Broth or red wine can enhance the richness.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The base of our tomato sauce, providing body and sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: To season and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh Basil: For a fresh, aromatic finish to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: For serving, adding a salty, savory topping.
How to Make the Best Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: Step-by-Step
Making delicious spaghetti with meat sauce is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple guide to follow:
1. Start with the Easy Meat Sauce
The heart of this dish is the flavorful meat sauce. Here’s how to make it:
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions to the pot with the browned meat. Cook until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to bloom.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in water (or broth/wine), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these bits add tons of flavor! Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
2. Cook Spaghetti Perfectly
While the sauce simmers, it’s time to cook the spaghetti:
- Salt Your Water Generously: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. This is crucial: generously salt the water. Pasta water should taste salty – about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water is a good guideline. Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out, making it more flavorful.
- Cook to Al Dente: Add spaghetti to the boiling salted water and cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 12 minutes. For the best texture, cook it “al dente,” meaning “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Set a timer for 8 minutes and start checking for doneness.
- Don’t Rinse: Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Do not rinse it unless you are making a cold pasta salad. Rinsing removes the starch, which helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
3. Combine and Serve
The final step is to bring it all together:
- Combine Sauce and Spaghetti: Remove the meat sauce from the heat and stir in fresh basil. Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the pot with the sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly in the delicious meat sauce. Let it sit for a minute to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your homemade spaghetti with meat sauce hot, sprinkled generously with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil, if desired.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Every Time
- Seasoning is Key: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust seasoning as needed. If the flavor doesn’t pop, add more salt. If it’s too acidic, a pinch of sugar can balance it out. For a deeper savory flavor, consider a dash of fish sauce, mushroom powder, or anchovy paste.
- Make Ahead: The meat sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This makes weeknight dinners even easier!
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Overcooked spaghetti is mushy. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
- Salt the Pasta Water! This is non-negotiable for flavorful pasta.
What to Serve with Weeknight Spaghetti
Spaghetti with meat sauce is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dinner with some delicious side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: Classic and always a hit! Serve with cheese garlic bread or roasted garlic bread.
- Salad: A fresh salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the spaghetti. Caesar salad is a classic choice, or try a simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful spaghetti with meat sauce recipe – it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
