Classic Spaghetti Sauce
Date: 3/5/24
This recipe is an all-time favorite dish in our household. Who doesn’t love a carb-loaded meaty dish? We are screaming comfort food over here. Whether you are looking for a Sunday night family dinner or a quick and easy meal after work and school, this recipe has you covered. Spaghetti is a classic dish you can always depend on for a hearty yet healthy meal you and your family will love.
This is personally one of my favorite dishes for a few reasons; it is super easy and quick to make, it can be versatile and it’s a classic. The hearty sauce warms the soul and is perfect for those colder days. Whether you are 8 or 80, this meal seems to be loved by all. There are reasons why some recipes last for generations and once you make this recipe, you will see why.
How to Make
Step 1: Saute vegetables
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium/high heat. Once heated, add chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Next add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Brown meat
Over medium heat add meat to your pan and break up with spatula until browned.
Step 3: Soak up excess grease
Soak up remaining fat from meat. I do this by taking a few paper towels and placing it at the bottom of the pan. The grease will soak up the grease. *tip* I put the paper towel in a grocery bag and tie it up before tossing to cut down on the smell and mess.
Step 4: Add remaining ingredients
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, parsley, oregano, basil, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Stir.
Step 5: Simmer
Add 1 1/2-2 cups pasta water and bring to boil. Once boiling, lower temperature and let simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over noodles. Also great with fresh parmesan and basil.
Hello, I'm Shannon!
A hardworking mom, wife, savvy business owner, and passionate foodie, whose zest for life is fueled by my love for family. Join my journey as I whisks up delectable recipes and insights on balancing work, family, and a love for all things food!
Useful Info
FAQ's:
Do you ever notice that some dishes simply taste better the next day? For me, spaghetti sauce is one of them. One way to get this flavor faster is by allowing your sauce to simmer a bit longer if possible. The long, slow simmer breaks down carbohydrates, creating a sweet, rich flavor. The extended time allows the flavors to blend together more, making the dish de-lish! However, too much time can ruin the flavor. Slow and low for no more than 2 hours is perfect.
Many people ask about simmering with the lid on or off. I prefer the lid off. This allows the liquids to evaporate faster which thickens up the sauce faster and intensifies the flavors.
Modifications:
This recipe calls for ground beef but you can also use half ground beef, half Italian sausage or even ground turkey.
If you want to sneak some extra vegetables in, the options are endless. Some great options are mushrooms, peppers, eggplant, squash, zucchini or leafy greens.
Sides:
I love this dish because it is so hearty and could easily be served by itself but spaghetti pairs great with a refreshing salad or garlic bread.
How it's served:
This sauce is typically served over spaghetti noodles but is also great for lasagnas. I always opt for some fresh parmesan cheese because who doesn’t love cheese?
Expert tips:
If you are more of a food prepper, this recipe is great for you. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or you can freeze for up to 6 months. Make sure you let the sauce come to room temperature before freezing. I use gallon size bags and lay them flat while freezing for easy storage.
Classic Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce
- 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 1.5 cups pasta water
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add olive oil over medium/high heat and add chopped onions for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Break meat up with a spatula and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease or soak up with a paper towel.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire, parsley, oregano and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and then bring to mild boil.
- Once boiled, add pasta water and turn heat to low.
- Let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve over spaghetti noodles and enjoy!