Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – Classic, Hearty Italian Comfort

When you think of cozy weeknight dinners that make everyone happy, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is right at the top of the list. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying — tender pasta coated in a rich sauce made from beef, sausage, tomatoes, and herbs simmered low and slow. Every bite brings warmth, nostalgia, and that “just one more forkful” feeling.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This classic Italian-American dish is a forever favorite for good reason.

• Deep, slow-simmered flavor in under an hour
• Comfort food everyone loves
• Budget-friendly ingredients with restaurant-level flavor
• Easy to make ahead or freeze
• Balanced with meat, vegetables, and herbs

I grew up eating my mom’s version of this sauce every Sunday — a pot bubbling on the stove while the whole house smelled like garlic and tomatoes. When I finally made it myself, I added a mix of beef and sausage for extra richness. Now, it’s a family favorite we serve with bread and laughter every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient builds a layer of flavor — from the browned meat to the simmering herbs.

Meat & Aromatics

• 1 tbsp olive oil – to sauté and sear the aromatics
• ½ lb ground beef (85/15 or 80/20) – for a hearty, meaty texture
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot) – adds spice and richness
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped – sweet and aromatic base
• 2 carrots, finely diced (optional) – adds natural sweetness and body
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced (optional) – balances the sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – a must for depth and aroma

Liquid & Tomato Base

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes – the heart of the sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – smooth texture and balance
• ½ cup water or broth – helps simmer everything perfectly

Seasoning & Herbs

• 1 tbsp dried oregano – classic Italian flavor
• 1 tbsp dried basil – fragrant and slightly sweet
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional) – earthy undertone
• 1 bay leaf – traditional depth
• 1 tsp sugar – softens tomato acidity
• Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for balance

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
• Extra-virgin olive oil drizzle

Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
• Swap red wine for beef broth if avoiding alcohol
• Add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice
• Try with Short Rib Ragu Pasta for a special occasion twist
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls for a cozy Italian spread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting — this sauce comes together beautifully in just a few steps.

1. Sauté the aromatics:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
   
2. Brown the meat:
   Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
   
3. Add garlic and season:
   Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
   
4. Deglaze with wine (optional):
   Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
   
5. Add tomatoes and broth:
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water or broth, bay leaf, and sugar. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
   
6. Simmer low and slow:
   Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.
   
7. Cook the pasta:
   While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
   
8. Combine and serve:
   Toss pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed for coating. Serve hot with Parmesan and herbs.

Quick Reminders:

• Don’t rush the simmer — flavor deepens over time
• Taste and adjust salt and sugar before serving
• Add pasta water for a silkier finish
• Always serve with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips to elevate your spaghetti night.

• Use both beef and sausage for flavor complexity
• Deglaze with wine or broth to lift every bit of flavor from the pan
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes for a thicker consistency
• Add a pat of butter at the end for richness
• Freeze extra sauce — it reheats beautifully for quick meals
• Pair with Cheesy Tennessee Onions for a full comfort dinner

Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti with meat sauce is classic comfort food — pair it with your favorite sides.

• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
• Add a side salad with Italian dressing
• Pair with roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans
• Top with crushed red pepper or extra herbs
• Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra cheese

Storing and Reheating

This sauce keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

How to Store It

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freeze sauce (without pasta) up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

How to Reheat It

• Stovetop: Simmer gently until hot
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between
• Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 9g
• Vitamin A: 1200IU
• Vitamin C: 14mg
• Calcium: 120mg
• Iron: 5mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is everything you want from a classic Italian dinner — rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s a recipe worth repeating, whether it’s a quiet weeknight or a family gathering.

• Let it simmer slow for deep flavor
• Balance the sauce with a touch of sweetness
• Serve hot, fresh, and topped with plenty of cheese

Jake

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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A classic Italian-American comfort food featuring spaghetti tossed in a rich, hearty meat sauce made from ground beef, sausage, tomatoes, and herbs — perfect for cozy weeknights or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 lb ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
• 0.5 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely diced (optional)
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced (optional)
• 4 clove garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup beef broth
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup water or additional broth
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp sugar
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb spaghetti
• fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
• grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, for garnish
• extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking sauce
• pot for boiling pasta
• knife and cutting board for prepping vegetables
• wooden spoon for stirring sauce
• colander for draining pasta

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bay leaf, and sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
8. Toss spaghetti with meat sauce, adding pasta water as needed to coat. Serve hot with herbs, cheese, and olive oil drizzle.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 890mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 5mg

Notes

• Wine swapped with beef broth for an alcohol-free version. 

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