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.
Ingredients
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2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)
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1 large onion (or 2 medium), diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
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2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
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1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
Instructions
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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.
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Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
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Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
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Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in sugar and fresh herbs (if using) during the last 5 minutes.
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Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
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For extra richness, add a splash of red wine or a Parmesan rind during simmering.
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Sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
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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
