Nothing says comfort like a big bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy and delicious homemade spaghetti sauce is made with canned tomatoes and ground beef, offering a savory and satisfying flavor perfect for any pasta night. Whether you’re looking for a spaghetti sauce recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or something that can be prepped ahead, this easy spaghetti sauce is a go to for any occasion.
Why This Spaghetti Sauce Stands Out!
This simple homemade spaghetti sauce combines everything you love about a rich, meaty sauce with the convenience of using canned ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks. It’s an ideal spaghetti sauce for busy weeknights or for when you want to stock your freezer with freezer-friendly spaghetti sauce for later use. Here’s why this is the best spaghetti sauce you’ll ever make:
Rich and Flavorful:
Made with ground beef and tomato paste, this meat sauce for spaghetti is hearty and satisfying.
Easy and Quick:
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an easy spaghetti sauce that can be on your table in under an hour.
Customizable:
You can tweak the seasonings or even add extra vegetables, making this a versatile homemade pasta sauce that fits your family’s taste.
Freezer-Friendly:
Make a large batch of this spaghetti sauce from scratch and freeze the leftovers for a future meal—it’s a true make ahead spaghetti sauce.
How to Make Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
Here’s a quick step by step guide on how to make spaghetti sauce that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any pasta dish.
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onions, sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef: Next, add your ground beef and cook until it’s browned and caramelized. This step is crucial for building the depth of flavor in your sauce.
Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in canned tomatoes and tomato paste, which helps thicken the sauce and give it a rich, hearty texture.
Season and Simmer: Add your herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
Adjust and Serve: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve over your favorite pasta, or let it cool and freeze for later use.
Pro Tips for the Spaghetti Sauce
Make It Ahead: This is a great make-ahead spaghetti sauce. Prepare a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal any time you need it.
Deglaze the Pan: After browning the meat, try adding a splash of red wine or beef broth to deglaze the pan before adding the tomatoes. This pulls up all the caramelized bits stuck to the bottom, adding even more flavor to your sauce.
Let It Simmer Longer: While this recipe works well in under an hour, letting your sauce simmer for 2-3 hours (if you have the time) will intensify the flavors. The longer it cooks, the richer and more complex your sauce will become.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, don’t be afraid to add more crushed red pepper or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the best things about this spaghetti sauce recipe is that it’s versatile and fast, making it perfect for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. The use of tomato paste and canned tomatoes means you get a rich, homemade taste without hours of preparation. Plus, this spaghetti sauce with ground beef is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own—just add pasta, and you’re good to go!
If you have leftovers, it’s also the perfect freezer friendly spaghetti sauce. Simply cool the sauce, portion it into freezer safe containers, and you’ve got a homemade pasta sauce ready for a future meal. Perfect for meal prepping!
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti sauce from scratch is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:
Baked Ziti: Layer the sauce with pasta and mozzarella cheese for a hearty baked dish.
Lasagna: Use this sauce as a base for a rich, cheesy lasagna.
Meatball Subs: Slather the sauce on hoagie rolls with meatballs and melted provolone for an indulgent sandwich.
This homemade spaghetti sauce is a true kitchen staple, offering a delicious, satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner solution on a busy weeknight or planning to impress your family with a classic spaghetti sauce for Sunday dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, with the option to freeze leftovers, you can always have a jar of spaghetti sauce with ground beef on hand for quick, delicious meals in the future.
So, roll up your sleeves and give this simple homemade spaghetti sauce a try. You’ll be rewarded with a rich, hearty sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours—but comes together in no time!
I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts, tips, or any creative variations you’ve come up with. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other with new ideas!
This easy and delicious homemade spaghetti sauce is made with canned tomatoes and ground beef, offering a savory and satisfying flavor perfect for any pasta night. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a rich, hearty sauce. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe ensures a crowd-pleasing meal that's both comforting and flavorful.
Prep Time30 minsCook Time1 hrTotal Time1 hr 30 mins
Difficulty:
Beginner
Servings:
12
Best Season:
Suitable throughout the year
Spaghetti Sauce
Instructions
Spaghetti Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions first, cooking until they’re translucent. A gentle heat is key.
Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions. Cook it until it’s well browned. This step is important because it caramelizes the meat and adds a rich, savory flavor to the sauce. Make sure to break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Once your meat is browned and the onions are ready, add the canned tomato sauce and canned tomatoes. The diced tomatoes give the sauce a slightly chunky texture that’s perfect for spaghetti. At this stage, add your dried herbs, Worcestershire, beef broth and Mushroom. This allows the herbs to rehydrate and infuse the sauce with their flavors as it simmers.
After the spaghetti sauce has simmered for 30 minutes, do a little taste test, and if it is too acidic add a little of the sugar. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes and add more sugar if needed a pinch at a time..
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories128kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat3g5%
Saturated Fat1g5%
Cholesterol35mg12%
Sodium550mg23%
Potassium740mg22%
Total Carbohydrate11g4%
Sugars6g
Protein14g29%
Vitamin A 844 IU
Vitamin C 16 mg
Calcium 50 mg
Iron 3 mg
Vitamin D 1.49 IU
Vitamin E 1.49 IU
Vitamin B6 0.41 mg
Copper 0.26 mg
Manganese 0.28 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. The nutritional values provided on this website are for informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and completeness, we cannot guarantee the precision of this information. Individual dietary needs may vary, so it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes to substitute for the canned varieties. Just chop them up and cook them down for a similar effect. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may take a bit longer to break down, so be patient as you simmer your sauce.
How long can I store this spaghetti sauce in the freezer?
This freezer-friendly spaghetti sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the containers with the date!
What’s the best way to reheat spaghetti sauce?
To reheat spaghetti sauce, you can use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, pour the sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If using the microwave, transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.