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Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a delicious, meaty sauce that is easy to make thanks to canned tomatoes. The longer the sauce simmers, the better it tastes. It’s a delicious one pot meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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.Â
Everyone loves this recipe. When my kids were growing up, this was a meal I could make and I knew everyone would eat it, even my pick eaters.
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. Â
- Canned Diced Tomatoes
- Tomato Sauce
- Tomato Paste
- Garlic
- Minced Onion
- Sugar
- Oregano
- Basil
- Dried Parsley
- Salt and Pepper
- PastaÂ
- Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Basil for garnish, optional
Tip from Leigh Anne
- You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for beef if desired.
- The secret to 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.
- 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.
Serve this with:
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.
Some of My Other Favorite Pasta Recipes:
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Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
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
Instructions
- Brown meat along with garlic and onion.
- 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
Tips & Notes:
- 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.
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Nutrition Facts:
Originally posted April 2011
Kim says
I make virtually everything from scratch…..except spaghetti sauce. I am so embarrassed but my family is so used to Hunt’s Spaghetti Sauce from can that I am not sure I can sell your sauce to them but I am going to try. Thanks for sharing!!!
Shari says
Kim, I’m the same way and use Hunts LOL, hope this went well for your family! I’m going to make this in the next couple days, and hopefully it will go well, I’m looking for something a little better!
Lisa Casey says
Thank you!!! Spaghetti is one of my most favorite foods!
lisa says
This sounds just like my mom’s spaghetti sauce…only she still hasn’t written it down. 😉
MelanieL says
Looks delicious! I need to make a double batch and freeze in smaller portions for those quick dinner nights! Can’t wait to try it:)
Leigh Anne says
Melanie – you will love having it on hand. It has been a lifesaver for me so many times. Sometimes I just eat it by the spoonful right out of the pot!
Patti says
I’ll bet you could get this started and then put it in a crock-pot! Too bad I haven’t done that today, as I’m on my way down to Provo to listen to you at Women’s Conference! See you in a little while 🙂
Leigh Anne says
Patti, It was so fun to finally meet you in person and give you a hug. Thanks so much for being there today and smiling at me from the front row. It meant a lot!!
Patti says
You did a most wonderful job! I’m so happy I was there!