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Easy Flavor-Packed Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

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A quick and easy spaghetti and meat sauce recipe that uses simple pantry staples to create a rich, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth, homemade or low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti noodles
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out spices and liquids (about 5 minutes prep).
  2. Bring 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 6-8 minutes, breaking apart with a wooden spoon until browned and no pink remains. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet with beef. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to coat beef.
  6. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.
  9. Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce or serve sauce over noodles. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Brown the meat properly for best flavor. Use fresh garlic and onions. Simmer sauce low and slow for rich flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Season gradually and taste as you go. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, and gluten-free pasta if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meat sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef, pasta, Italian seasoning, quick recipe

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/easy-flavor-packed-spaghetti-and-meat-sauce-recipe-for-perfect-dinners/