Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe – A Cozy Italian Dinner You’ll Love
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There’s something magical about making classic spaghetti with meat sauce on a cozy evening. The aroma of garlic, tomato, and beef fills your kitchen and instantly feels like home. This timeless Italian dish is simple yet comforting — perfect for busy weeknights or slow Sunday dinners with family. With just a few pantry ingredients and some love, you can create a meal that’s hearty, rich, and deeply satisfying.
🧂 Ingredients
🍝 Spaghetti – 1 pack (cook until al dente)
🫒 Olive Oil – 2 tbsp (for sautéing)
🧈 Butter – 2 tbsp (adds richness)
🧄 Garlic – 2–3 cloves (minced finely)
🥩 Ground Beef – 1 lb (lean preferred)
🍅 Tomato Paste – 2 tbsp (adds depth of flavor)
🍅 Tomato Sauce – 2 cups (canned or homemade)
🧂 Pink Salt – to taste
🌿 Oregano – 1 tsp (dried)
🧅 Onion Powder – ½ tsp (optional)
🧄 Garlic Powder – ½ tsp (optional)
🧀 Parmesan Cheese – to garnish (shredded)
🌿 Fresh Parsley Flakes – few pinches (for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
🥣 1. Boil the Pasta
Fill a Cuisinart stainless-steel stock pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside.
🔪 2. Mince the Garlic
Finely mince garlic using an OXO Good Grips garlic press — a tool that makes prep quick and easy.
🔥 3. Prepare the Sauce Base
In an All-Clad nonstick skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. The butter adds flavor, while olive oil keeps the sauce smooth and balanced.
🧄 4. Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and golden — this is the flavor foundation.
🥩 5. Brown the Beef
Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spatula. Cook until browned and aromatic.
🍅 6. Add Tomato Paste & Sauce
Stir in tomato paste, then pour in tomato sauce. Mix well until it becomes rich and velvety.
🌿 7. Season the Sauce
Add pink salt, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
🍝 8. Combine & Serve
Add the spaghetti to your sauce, or serve it plated with sauce on top. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley flakes.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
It’s warm, flavorful, and perfect for every season — especially cozy fall nights. This is one of those meals that brings everyone together, where seconds are guaranteed.
If you enjoy hearty pasta dishes like this, check out my Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake next — it’s another comfort favorite! and also “If you try this classic spaghetti with meat sauce, let me know in the comments or tag @wholesomewhisk — I’d love to see your creation!
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Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe – A Cozy Italian Dinner You’ll Love
Classic spaghetti with meat sauce — a comforting Italian favorite made with tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Ready in under 40 minutes and always satisfying.
Ingredients for Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce 🍝
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0.4g
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 640mg27%
- Potassium 640mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 3.5g15%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 29g58%
- Vitamin A 700 IU
- Vitamin C 8 mg
- Calcium 180 mg
- Iron 3.2 mg
- Vitamin D 15 IU
- Vitamin E 1.2 IU
- Vitamin K 6 mcg
- Thiamin 0.24 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 5.8 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.38 mg
- Folate 45 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg
- Biotin 2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.6 mg
- Phosphorus 270 mg
- Iodine 20 mcg
- Magnesium 55 mg
- Zinc 4.2 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.15 mg
- Manganese 0.4 mg
- Chromium 9 mcg
- Molybdenum 14 mcg
- Chloride 140 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cook spaghetti al dente for the best texture.
Simmer sauce 10–15 mins for rich flavor.
Add a little pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge.
Sauce freezes well for up to 2 months.
Use fresh Parmesan for the best taste.
Swap ground turkey for a leaner option.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (About This Recipe)
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Q: Can I replace butter with oil?
Yes — it’ll still be delicious, just slightly less creamy.
Q: How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based meat.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely — it’s perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
