Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
A hearty Italian classic, spaghetti with meat sauce features a rich, savory tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, carrots, and herbs, perfectly paired with tender pasta. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors and comforting appeal for all tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, scraped and shredded ⓘ
- 1 small stalk celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. extra-lean ground beef ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes with juice pureed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry red wine
- 1 lb. spaghetti ⓘ
- fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until the onions are translucent but not brown.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped Italian parsley, bay leaf, and red wine (if using).
- Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes until thick but not dry, adding water or broth if it gets too dry.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the warm pan.
- Just before serving, add the sauce to the pasta and toss well.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of dried oregano or basil to the sauce. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils. To save time, prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate; it can also be used in other Italian recipes like Vegetable-Beef Spaghetti Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of dry red wine to enhance the flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. This dish also pairs beautifully with Quick Lasagne for a hearty Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Meat Sauce contains roughly 1033 calories, with 27g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (190% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 653mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat. Just ensure to adjust cooking times slightly based on the meat used.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate excess liquid. You can also mix in a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken the sauce quickly.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Using whole canned tomatoes is ideal as they provide a richer flavor. However, if you prefer convenience, crushed or pureed tomatoes work well too. Just make sure to choose high-quality brands for the best taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).