Traditional Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Name: Traditional Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup red wine (optional); 1/2 cup water; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lb spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you've ever craved a comforting, aromatic bowl of pasta, this Traditional Spaghetti Meat Sauce is your ticket to Italy from your own kitchen. Classic and rich in flavor, it's a timeless recipe that combines simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish.

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Ingredients for Traditional Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Olive oil sets the stage for a rich base, adding a subtle fruitiness. Ground beef brings heartiness and depth, absorbing the flavors of the sauce. Onion and garlic are the aromatic backbone, offering sweetness and pungency. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste provide the robust, tangy body of the sauce. Oregano and basil add an earthy, Italian herbaceousness. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors, while a splash of red wine (optional) adds sophistication. Water helps achieve the right consistency, and a touch of sugar cuts the acidity, rounding out the taste. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese offers a nutty, savory finish.

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor impact.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad and a side of garlic bread. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of Chianti or any dry red wine complements the dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?: Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe.
Is the sugar necessary?: Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can adjust or omit it to suit your taste.
How long does the sauce last?: Stored in an airtight container, it will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Traditional Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, cooking until it's browned all over. The beef should be crumbly but not dry.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and releases its sweet aroma, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything with a wooden spoon so the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Pour in the red wine if you're using it, and add the water and sugar. Stir to combine everything. The sauce should have a lovely consistency—not too thick, not too watery.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the sauce gently simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors develop fully.

While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta well.

Serve the sauce generously over the prepared spaghetti and finish with a good sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Dig in and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uses pantry staples for a classic taste.
Quick prep and simmer for an easy dinner.
Customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Perfectly pairs with a glass of red wine.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup red wine (optional)

1/2 cup water

1 tbsp sugar

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 lb spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.

2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef; sauté until the onion is translucent.

3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Pour in red wine (if using) and water, and add sugar. Stir to combine.

5. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Serve sauce over prepared spaghetti and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

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