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!
Related Recipes
Garlic Bread Recipe: Perfect for soaking up that extra sauce!
Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls that pair beautifully with this spaghetti sauce.