Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef Recipe

This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef recipe is warm, rich, and comforting. It fills the kitchen with a deep tomato smell and a gentle garlic aroma. The sauce simmers low and slow, turning simple pantry items into something special. The texture is thick and hearty, perfect for clinging to spaghetti. This is one of those easy meals with ground beef that feels cozy without extra work. If you enjoy quick dinner ideas that taste like you cooked all afternoon, this recipe is a great place to start.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
• 1 can tomato sauce, 15 ounces
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar, optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Step by Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and clear, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no pink remains.
3. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
5. Season with salt, oregano, basil, black pepper, and sugar if using. Stir until smooth.
6. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally so it does not stick.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Do not rush the simmering time. A quick boil will not give the sauce enough depth. Another common mistake is skipping the tomato paste. It adds thickness and a rich flavor. Also, avoid over seasoning early. Tomatoes reduce as they cook, which can make the sauce too salty if you add too much at the start.

Tips For Success

Use ground beef with a little fat for better flavor. If there is excess grease, drain it before adding tomatoes. Stir from the bottom of the pot while simmering to prevent burning. This recipe works well as one of those lazy dinners where you want comfort without stress.

How To Serve

Serve this sauce over spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta. Add a sprinkle of grated cheese and a side salad. If you enjoy recipes using ground beef, you can also spoon this sauce over baked pasta or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers.

For more dinner ideas with ground beef, try this ground beef orzo with tomato for a comforting bowl style meal.

Flavor Add In Ideas

Add red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of cream for a softer tomato taste. Chopped mushrooms blend well with the beef and stretch the sauce further. These small changes turn this into one of many things to make with ground beef that never feels boring.

If you like bold flavors, this firecracker ground beef seasoning recipe is a fun way to change things up on busy nights.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is rich, hearty, and comforting. It simmers slowly to develop deep tomato flavor, making it perfect for cozy, stress-free dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, optional

Equipment

• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix until well combined.
5. Season with salt, oregano, basil, black pepper, and sugar if using. Stir thoroughly.
6. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Simmer the sauce uncovered to develop flavor and thicken it. Avoid over-seasoning early on. Ground turkey or sausage can be used instead of beef. Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Make Ahead And Storage

This sauce stores well and tastes even better the next day. Let it cool fully, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. It is perfect for ground hamburger recipes when you want something ready to go.

Looking for more easy meals with ground beef to prep ahead. This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry Italy style is another great option.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat?
Yes, ground turkey or sausage works well, but ground beef gives the richest flavor and texture.

Why is my sauce too thin?
It likely needs more simmer time. Let it cook uncovered so excess liquid can evaporate.

Can I use this sauce in other ground beef dishes?
Yes, it works well in casseroles and baked pasta, making it great for ground beef casserole recipes.

Conclusion

This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef recipe is simple, filling, and full of classic flavor. It is one of those ground beef dishes that fits busy weeknights and slow weekends alike. Save this recipe for later and share it on Pinterest with friends who love easy dinners made from scratch. You will want this one in your regular rotation.

If you enjoy trying new things to do with ground beef, you may also love these ground beef Philly cheesesteaks for another cozy dinner idea.