Best-Ever Spaghetti Meat Sauce

This Best-Ever Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a rich and hearty blend of ground chuck, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of tomatoes, all simmered to perfection. It’s a comforting classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, Rich Flavor: The combination of ground chuck and a trio of tomato products creates a sauce with depth and complexity.

• Aromatic Base: Sautéed onions and garlic provide a fragrant foundation that enhances the overall taste.

• Versatile Use: Perfect over spaghetti, but also great for lasagna, baked ziti, or as a base for other Italian dishes.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.

• Family Favorite: A universally loved dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)

• 1 large onion (or 2 medium), diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 cup water or red wine (for desired consistency)

• Cooked spaghetti noodles, for serving

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)Reddit+4Allrecipes+4Gonna Want Seconds+4Gonna Want Seconds+3Allrecipes+3Allrecipes+3Tastes Better From Scratch

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground chuck to the saucepan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Tomato Products: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.Gonna Want Seconds+1Allrecipes+1

4. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Pour in the water or red wine to achieve the desired consistency.Allrecipes

5. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Serve: Ladle the meat sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.

• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley towards the end of cooking.

• Vegetable Boost: Include diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

• Cheesy Delight: Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for a richer sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm the sauce over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork can be used as alternatives to ground chuck.

Is it necessary to add sugar to the sauce?

Sugar is optional and can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust to taste.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors develop even more when made in advance.

Best-Ever Spaghetti Meat Sauce

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings

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Description

This Best-Ever Spaghetti Meat Sauce is rich, hearty, and bursting with deep savory flavor—made with ground chuck, onions, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes, then simmered to perfection. It’s the ultimate homemade pasta sauce for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers.

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)

• 1 large onion (or 2 medium), diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)

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Instructions

• In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the ground chuck over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

• Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

• Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.

• Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Stir in sugar and fresh herbs (if using) during the last 5 minutes.

• Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• For extra richness, add a splash of red wine or a Parmesan rind during simmering.

• Sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.

• Use leaner ground beef or substitute with Italian sausage for a twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American