Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce

Save this recipe on:

Few dishes are as comforting or nostalgic as a big plate of Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce. This dish takes you back to the kind of meals grandma used to serve on Sunday evenings, with a slow-simmered tomato sauce rich in garlic, herbs, and ground beef. It’s rustic, flavorful, and soul-satisfying.

The beauty of this classic spaghetti recipe lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. The robust meat sauce clings to every strand of al dente spaghetti, delivering a balanced bite each time. It’s an ideal option for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you’re simply craving a touch of home-cooked comfort.

---

Ingredients for this Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

---

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat for a leaner sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer melds the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let everything heat through for a minute or two. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. It will result in a lighter sauce but still packed with flavor.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

While spaghetti is classic, you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or even rigatoni. Any pasta that holds sauce well will work.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge. Make it a day ahead and simply reheat before serving.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with chopped mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The seasonings and cooking process stay the same.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. It’s mild in spice and rich in tomato flavor. Just omit the red pepper flakes if cooking for young children.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just use a large pot and double all ingredients to feed more people.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: