Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe – A Cozy Italian Dinner You’ll Love

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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