There are millions of spaghetti and meat sauce recipes out there but none as good as this homemade spaghetti meat sauce!! This easy homemade meat sauce recipe is unbelievably rich and flavorful, with a little spicy kick and has quickly become my favorite spaghetti and ground meat recipe!
Spaghetti with Ground Beef:
Spaghetti with ground beef, or spaghetti and meat sauce, is loosely based on ragu bolognese. A uniquely American invention, this easy homemade spaghetti sauce has been gracing our tables for years. This easy homemade meat sauce recipe has been gracing my table for as long as I can remember and is simply known as My Mom's Sauce. Typed up on a 3 x 5 index card, I have no idea where this spaghetti and meat sauce recipe originated and while not an authentic ragu bolognese by any means, it's still my favorite spaghetti and ground beef dish.
And leaves bottled sauces in the dust.
What is the difference between a homemade spaghetti meat sauce and Ragu Bolognese?
- The main difference is the amount of tomato.
- A bolognese sauce uses a very small amount of tomato.
- This homemade spaghetti meat sauce is more like a marinara sauce with meat!
Tips for making this Easy Homemade Meat Sauce:
- If you are watching your fat intake, you can use very lean beef. But a higher fat (15-20%) ground meat will make a richer sauce.
- Definitely simmer this spaghetti meat sauce for the amount of time indicated in order to develop it's deep, rich flavor.
- Make a double batch as this spaghetti meat sauce recipe freezes wonderfully.
If you enjoyed this spaghetti with ground beef, you might also enjoy...
Easy Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe:
📖Recipe
Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground meat
- 3 onions diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- two 8 ounce cans tomato sauce
- two 6 oz. cans tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon italian seasoning blend oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil
- dash of tobasco
- 1 Tablespoon worchestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven or soup pot, over medium high heat, brown the ground meat with the diced onions. Cook for 10 minutes or until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another two minutes.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer, uncovered for 2 hours or until the sauce is thick.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
Recipe Notes
- Serve over spaghetti pasta and pair with a green salad for an easy weeknight meal.
- Toss with your favorite tube shaped pasta and some grated mozzarella and pour into a casserole dish. Top with more grated mozzarella and bake at 350 until the cheese and melted and the pasta is heated through.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin with a little pasta water - not only does it thin the sauce but it helps the sauce to cling to the pasta!
- The sauce will hold for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, place the cooled sauce in a freezer safe container, label and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Re heat in a saucepan over medium heat.
Lori R. says
I really need to invest the time in making a slow simmered sauce. I just haven't found the right recipe...until now! Can't wait to try this!
Nancy says
You won't regret making a slow simmered sauce - I generally make it on weekend - preferably during football season!! Hope you like it!!!
Sally says
I will have to say that I too put Tabasco in my sauce! LOL HOWEVER, Chili Powder? WOW! I usually reserve that for my famous not famous Chili recipe! I am doing this for sure. Sounds Amazing and I thank you for sharing your Secret! I can't wait to try it. My taste buds are already screaming at me LOL
Nancy says
Hi Sally!! I am with you - at first glance it doesn't seem to make sense... but the chili powder really rounds out the flavors! I hope you enjoy it!!!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
Niiiice!
Nancy says
Thanks Dorothy!! It's definitely a keeper!!!