Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Nothing brings family and friends together like a plate of classic spaghetti with hearty, homemade meat sauce. This spaghetti sauce with ground beef is rich, flavorful, and satisfying, made with everyday pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight dinner or craving comfort on a chilly evening, this sauce delivers authentic taste and warmth in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses common kitchen staples and fresh vegetables.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with ground beef and a medley of tomatoes.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust seasoning, veggies, and richness to suit your taste.

Ingredients Overview

This meat sauce features a balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: The foundation for a hearty, savory sauce.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
• Garlic: Brings sharp, aromatic flavor.
• Green Bell Pepper: Offers a hint of bitterness and crunch when cooked until tender.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bring juicy, chunky texture and mild acidity.
• Tomato Sauce: For a smooth, saucy consistency.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Oregano and basil for classic Italian flavor, plus salt and pepper.

Optional Add-Ins

• Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick of heat.
• Carrots or Celery: For extra sweetness and depth.
• Mushrooms: For an earthy undertone.

How to Make Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Gather All Ingredients
2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
   • Place ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper in a large saucepan.
   • Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbly and the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
   • Drain excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming oily.
3. Add Tomato Products and Seasonings
   • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
   • Sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Simmer to Develop Flavor
   • Bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Let the sauce cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
5. Serve Hot
   • Ladle the sauce generously over cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy!

Ingredient Table

Tips for Success

• Drain Fat: After browning the beef, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least an hour for the deepest flavor.
• Tweak Herbs: Taste and adjust oregano, basil, and even add Italian seasoning to your liking.
• Add Veggies: You can include carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste.

Troubleshooting Spaghetti Sauce

How to Thicken Your Sauce

If you find your sauce is thinner than desired:

• Simmer Longer: Remove the lid and let it simmer a few more minutes. The excess water will evaporate, yielding a thicker sauce.
• Add More Tomato Paste: Stir in an extra tablespoon or two for a heartier consistency.
• Let Rest Before Serving: The sauce thickens slightly as it cools.

Other Common Issues and Solutions

• Too Acidic? Add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors, or stir in a small knob of butter at the end.
• Too Bland? Boost the herbs, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or finish with fresh parsley.
• Not Rich Enough? A splash of red wine or a bit of beef broth deepens flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Spaghetti: The classic, beloved presentation.
• On Other Pastas: Try with penne, rigatoni, or linguine for variety.
• As a Baked Dish: Layer in lasagna or use as a filling for stuffed shells.
• With Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up every drop.

Storage and Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool sauce completely and freeze in quart-size freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Defrost and gently rewarm on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.

Recipe Variations

• For Extra Zest: Sauté a second onion or a larger green pepper, as some reviewers recommend, for more intense flavor.
• With Pork Sausage: Swap half the beef for mild Italian sausage for richer taste and spice.
• Vegetarian: Omit the beef and load up on diced mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini.

Cooking Tips from the Allrecipes Community

“I’ve been looking for a simple yet robust sauce to try,” notes one reviewer. “This is perfect! I added two onions and a huge green pepper because I like my sauce zesty.” Another home cook suggests simmering with a bay leaf and finishing with fresh basil for garden-fresh aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors only improve with time. Prepare the sauce up to two days ahead, store in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze spaghetti sauce with ground beef?

Yes. Cool the sauce completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat gently from frozen on the stovetop.

What kind of ground beef is best?

Use lean or extra-lean ground beef for a lighter, less greasy sauce. If using higher fat beef, draining it thoroughly after browning helps prevent an oily finish.

Is this sauce gluten free?

The sauce itself contains no gluten. Just be sure to serve over gluten-free pasta if needed, and check tomato products for additives.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with a plant-based substitute or add more vegetables such as mushrooms, lentils, or finely shredded carrots and zucchini.

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a go-to family favorite that brings comfort, flavor, and a sense of gathering to any meal. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a timeless classic you’ll turn to again and again. Serve generous ladles over steaming pasta, gather around the table, and enjoy the warmth of home-cooked tradition.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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