Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Name: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef (turkey, chicken or Italian sausage); 2 14 oz. petite diced tomatoes; 2 14 oz. tomato sauce; 1 6 oz. tomato paste; 2 cans water (use the tomato sauce can); 2 tsp minced garlic; 2 tsp dried onion; 3 Tbsp sugar (or to taste); salt to taste; 1 Tbsp dried oregano; 1 Tbsp dried basil; 2 Tbsp dried parsley

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

It makes a lot! One great thing about this homemade meat sauce recipe is that it makes enough for two meals and it freezes beautifully. I love keeping a container in my freezer for those crazy days when I don’t have enough time to cook. All I have to do is boil the noodles and warm up then sauce.

Everyone loves it! When my kids were growing up, this was a meal I could make and I knew everyone would eat it, even my pick eaters.

It’s pure comfort food. This recipe is how my mom made her spaghetti with meat sauce. Whenever I am in the mood for a little comfort food, this is usually the first thing I make.

Ingredients Needed

Lean Ground beef. You can also use ground turkey, ground chicken or Italian sausage.

Canned Diced tomatoes. I prefer the canned petite diced tomatoes. You could also use crushed tomatoes.

Tomato sauce

Tomato paste

Garlic cloves. Fresh, minced

Dried Minced Onion. Can also substitute in fresh chopped onion

Sugar

Salt and Pepper

Seasoning. Oregano, basil, dried parsley

Pasta. It’s great with penne, linguine, angel hair or spaghetti noodles!

Parmesan cheese. For garnish.

Fresh basil. Optional, for garnish.

Tip from Leigh Anne

Simmer. I have found the secret to the pasta sauce is letting it simmer for several hours. Bring it to a boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer. As it simmers, it thickens up and the flavors intensify. You will want to stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Don’t skip the sugar! The sugar helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Thick or thin. You can make this sauce whatever consistency you prefer. The sauce will thicken as it simmers. If it gets too thick for your preference, add in another can of water.

How to Make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Brown meat along with garlic and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stove top.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water.

Stir and then add sugar and seasonings. Season to taste.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.

Allow it to simmer for several hours. If it gets too thick, just add some additional water or tomato sauce. Stir frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Using the slow cooker is a great way to let this simmer for a long time. Brown your meat, onion, garlic in a frying pan. Add into slow cooker along with seasoning and tomatoes. Simmer for 5-6 hours. The sauce doesn’t get as thick in the slow cooker so if you want to thicken it up, place the lid of the slow cooker, ajar for the last couple of hours and that will help thicken the sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
For longer, place in an airtight container of a plastic freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months. Place in fridge to thaw and then warm in the microwave or in a pan on the stove top.

Maureen Doyle says

Posted on 5/6 at 11:08 am