Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

by

Nothing says comfort food like a rich, savory spaghetti sauce made from scratch. This easy homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef delivers deep flavor, hearty texture, and classic Italian-inspired satisfaction in under an hour. Ideal for weeknight dinners or batch cooking for the freezer, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Meat Sauce

This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients to create a flavorful meat sauce that rivals any Italian restaurant version. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta, layering in lasagna, or spooning over roasted vegetables or stuffed peppers.

With a balance of crushed tomatoes, herbs, and ground beef, the sauce is hearty yet easy to make. It’s freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Key Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Use 80/20 for a richer flavor, but leaner beef can be used.
  • Onion and garlic: Provide the savory aromatic base.
  • Tomato paste, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes: The trio builds texture and depth.
  • Dried oregano and basil: Essential Italian herbs for authentic flavor.
  • Sugar (optional): Helps balance the acidity of tomatoes.
  • Olive oil: Enhances flavor while sautéing.
  • Salt and pepper: For seasoning.

Optional Additions and Substitutions

  • Red wine: A splash of dry red wine can enhance depth.
  • Green peppers or mushrooms: Add more vegetables for flavor and texture.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick.
  • Italian sausage or ground pork: Mix with beef or replace it entirely.
  • Fresh herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat for a lighter sauce or leave it in for added richness.

2. Add Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Mix in Tomato Paste

Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to bring out its flavor.

4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer

Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

6. Serve

Serve the sauce hot over cooked spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or any pasta of your choice. Garnish with grated parmesan and fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Toss with spaghetti and top with grated cheese
  • Use in classic lasagna or baked ziti
  • Serve as a topping for stuffed bell peppers or eggplant
  • Pair with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal
  • Spoon over cooked gnocchi or rice

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze portions in zip-top bags or containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 194
  • Protein: 13g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down thoroughly to achieve the same thickness and richness. You can peel, seed, and crush fresh tomatoes to substitute for canned crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.

How do I make this sauce vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for texture and protein.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. This sauce tastes even better the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep and freezer meals.

How do I thicken spaghetti sauce?

Simmer uncovered to let the sauce reduce, or add a small spoonful of tomato paste for a thicker consistency.

Is sugar necessary?

Not always, but a small amount of sugar can mellow the acidity of the tomatoes. You can omit it if preferred.

Internal Linking Suggestions (from secretsofthegreengarden.com)

  • “How to Grow Fresh Basil at Home”: Use your homegrown herbs to flavor this sauce.
  • “DIY Herb Garden for Beginners”: Learn which herbs thrive in containers and how to keep them ready for your pasta dishes.
  • “10 Easy Ways to Store Fresh Herbs Without Losing Flavor”: Maximize your herb harvest for future meals.

External Authority Resources

Final Thoughts

This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a timeless recipe you’ll keep returning to. With simple ingredients and adaptable flavors, it’s easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for freezing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this meat sauce delivers rich, savory comfort in every bite.

54 thoughts on “Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef”

  1. Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and net and this is actually frustrating. A good blog with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

    Reply

  11. What i don’t realize is actually how you are not really much more smartly-appreciated than you might be now. You are very intelligent. You know therefore considerably when it comes to this subject, produced me individually believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested except it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time handle it up!

    Reply

  24. I carry on listening to the newscast talk about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i get some?

    Reply

  37. Thanks for some other excellent post. Where else could anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect method of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for such info.

    Reply

  41. I have been surfing online greater than three hours these days, yet I by no means discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely value enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the net will probably be a lot more helpful than ever before.

    Reply

Leave a Comment