Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe – Easy Classic Pasta Dinner

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a cozy pasta dinner made with ground beef, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, and herbs for a rich, hearty meal that feels both simple and satisfying. The sauce simmers until thick and flavorful, then gets spooned over tender spaghetti for an easy dinner that always hits the spot.

There is something so comforting about a plate of spaghetti topped with a deep red meat sauce. It is familiar in the best way, with everyday ingredients that cook down into a dinner that tastes warm, savory, and full of flavor.

The onion, garlic, and red bell pepper build a flavorful base, while the beef and tomato sauce make the dish hearty enough to stand on its own. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top, and dinner is ready.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, hearty meat sauce with simple pantry ingredients
• Great for weeknight dinners and easy leftovers
• The sauce tastes even better as it simmers
• Family-friendly and easy to serve
• Delicious with Parmesan on top

Ingredients

Candy base

• 3/4 lb (340 g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 22 oz (625 g) tomato sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika, optional
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Finish

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Ground beef: Use regular ground beef for a rich sauce. Lean ground beef works too, though the sauce may taste a little less rich.
• Tomato sauce: A smooth tomato sauce gives the sauce a classic texture. If your sauce is very thick, you can adjust with a little extra water.
• Tomato paste: This adds deeper tomato flavor and helps the sauce taste fuller.
• Red bell pepper: It adds sweetness and a little texture. You can leave it out if you want a simpler sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the sauce right at the end. Basil can also work nicely.
• Spaghetti: Classic here, but linguine, penne, or fettuccine all work well too.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best finish and adds a savory touch just before serving.

How to Make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns.
• Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, then cook until they begin to soften.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

• Add the tomato paste and stir it into the beef and vegetables.
• Pour in the tomato sauce and water, then stir well to combine.

• Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika if using.
• Stir in the chopped parsley.

• Let the sauce simmer until it thickens and the flavors come together.

• Spoon the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti and finish with Parmesan cheese for serving.

Expert Tips

• Salt the pasta water well so the spaghetti is seasoned from the start.
• Break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks for a more even sauce.
• Let the tomato paste cook for a minute before adding the sauce to deepen the flavor.
• Simmer the sauce gently so it thickens without scorching.
• Stir the sauce occasionally, especially as it reduces.
• Add a splash of pasta water if you want the sauce a little looser at serving time.
• Fresh Parmesan makes a big difference on top.
• Leftover sauce tastes even better the next day.

Storage & Freezing

• Fridge: Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: The meat sauce freezes very well for up to 3 months. The pasta is best fresh, but it can also be frozen if needed.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Variations

• Use Italian sausage instead of some of the beef for extra flavor
• Add mushrooms for a deeper, more savory sauce
• Stir in red pepper flakes for a little heat
• Use penne or rigatoni instead of spaghetti
• Add a little cream at the end for a softer tomato flavor

FAQs

More Recipes You Will Like :

• Cheese Meat Pasta Bake (Cheesy & Bubbly)
• One Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce – Easy Stovetop Dinner Recipe
• Cheesy Beef Potato Balls (Crispy Outside, Melty Inside!)
• Crispy Minced Meat Cigars – Easy Oven-Baked Appetizer with Juicy Filling

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes