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Classic homemade spaghetti topped with rich ground beef tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, served in a rustic bowl for a comforting American family dinner.

Classic Homemade Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce

A comforting family-style spaghetti dinner featuring perfectly browned ground beef, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and tender spaghetti. An easy American comfort food recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American Italian-Inspired
Calories: 590
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Meat Sauce
  • 1½ pounds ground beef 80/20
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups diced yellow onion
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Pasta
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or deep skillet
  • Large stockpot
  • colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ladle
  • Pasta tongs

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef until deeply caramelized.
  2. Add onions and cook until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook briefly.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes.
  7. Cook the spaghetti until al dente.
  8. Toss a little sauce with the pasta.
  9. Serve topped with the remaining meat sauce.
  10. Garnish with parsley, basil, and Parmesan.

Notes

Brown the beef well for maximum flavor.
Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Simmer slowly for the richest sauce.
Store leftovers separately for the best texture.
The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)