Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe – American, Italian Special
When you’re craving a comforting pasta dinner, nothing beats this classic spaghetti meat sauce. Made with ground beef browned to perfection and rich marinara sauce, it’s simmered just long enough to let all the flavors meld. Whether you need a quick weeknight fix or a freezer-friendly sauce for future meals, this recipe delivers. The result? A hearty, satisfying sauce that turns ordinary spaghetti into something extraordinary.
- Prep Time3 min
- Cook Time27 min
- Total Time30 min
Spaghetti Meat Sauce Ingredients::
- 1 pound ground beef (15% fat)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 12 ounces spaghetti
How to make Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe:
Heat a pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
Stir in the chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Cook until the onions are soft.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in one jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, cook 12 ounces of spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and serve with the sauce.
Recipe Notes:
Cook the spaghetti al dente so it holds up well when tossed with the sauce and doesn’t go mushy.
Taste & adjust seasoning after the sauce has simmered; a little extra salt, pepper, or sugar can balance acidity.
If the sauce seems too thick, thin it with a splash of water or broth; for thicker sauce consistency, let it reduce uncovered a few minutes longer.
After draining pasta, don’t rinse—it helps the sauce cling better for a more flavorful bite.
Serving options: toss spaghetti and meat sauce together, or plate pasta first and ladle the sauce on top. Finish with grated Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
