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

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 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.

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.

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.

Lisa Casey says

Posted on 8/24 at 12:22 pm

HOW did you do the “printable recipe” link? I’ve been wanting to try this for a while and am finally ready to make and print. I was just going to print it, but that was going to take 7 pages… I noticed your “printable recipe” link and it’s a perfect one page with your beautiful photo! I would love to do that on my own recipe blog. Please help if you can. My email is lisainnevada(at)gmail(dot)com

P.S. I wish we lived closer so that my daughter could have taken your kids cooking classes!

Reply
- Lisa Casey says
  
  Posted on 8/24 at 2:42 pm
  
  Couple other questions… oh never mind, K asked the exact same questions I was going to ask! lol (I don’t feel so stupid now that someone else asked them first)
  
  Lisa 🙂
  
  Reply
  - Leigh Anne says
    
    Posted on 8/24 at 9:44 pm
    
    You have to create another site using Google Sites.com. I just create a new page on the google site for each recipe, then copy and paste it from my blog, into the google site. You can add links back to your blog there as well. This is a great tutorial site I found about it. Hope this helps.
    Here is the link – http://foodblogalliance.com/2009/07/how-to-set-up-recipe-print-pages-with-google-sites.php
    
    Reply
    - Lisa Casey says
      
      Posted on 9/7 at 4:06 pm
      
      Thank you so much!! I made this the other night and it was the BEST spaghetti sauce I’ve ever had! Thank you so much for sharing and for giving me the tutorial link 🙂
      
      Reply
Michele says

Posted on 6/10 at 11:38 am

I made this last week and it really is the yummiest and easiest meat sauce ever! I used chopped Vidalia onion and reduced the sugar. Thank you! I will be making this often. 🙂

Reply
Janelle M says

Posted on 5/16 at 10:26 am

Do you have a favorite brand of Tomato Sauce that you use?

Reply
- Leigh Anne says
  
  Posted on 5/16 at 8:57 pm
  
  I really don’t. I tend to buy what’s on sale. I have used the San Marzano brand a few times and it is a really good one.
  
  Reply
megan elle says

Posted on 5/4 at 9:26 am

Hey, making this today. Needed a break from my recipe. Can’t wait!

Reply
k says

Posted on 5/2 at 11:18 am

i feel so stupid even asking, but do you drain off the fat? do you use a 6 oz. or 12 oz. can of tomato paste? (i didn’t even know you could get a 12 oz. can, but i went into my pantry and i had one of each. ??) do you simmer it with the lid on or off? i am so excited to try this! we haven’t found a canned sauce that we like and the few times i’ve tried making it from scratch, well, it just hasn’t been very good. this looks perfect!! 🙂

Reply
- Leigh Anne says
  
  Posted on 5/2 at 2:22 pm
  
  I do drain off the fat and I used a 6 oz. can of tomato paste. I simmer it without the lid on the pot. Enjoy!
  
  Reply

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