If you crave a hearty, comforting pasta dinner but want something that tastes like it simmered all day (with way less effort), this Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce is your new kitchen bestie. Bursting with juicy tomatoes, rich ground meats, and a blend of classic Italian herbs, it’s ridiculously flavorful yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Each velvety spoonful clings to the pasta and makes your home smell like an Italian trattoria. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just yourself (hello, cozy solo dinner), this recipe is about to become a tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce comes together with everyday staples that each bring something special to the table—from a finely chopped onion that adds sweet depth, to fresh herbs that finish it all off with a vibrant lift. Every ingredient here truly matters for maximum flavor, so gather your favorites and let’s build a sauce to love!
- Olive oil: Use a tablespoon to kickstart everything with a hint of fruitiness and help sauté the aromatics.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Want extra sweetness and depth to your sauce? The onion is the secret.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): For that warm, unmistakable punch that makes all the difference in an Italian sauce.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The base for classic hearty texture and flavor.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Adds a boost of juicy, herby flavor—try sweet or spicy, whichever you prefer!
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor and ensures nothing gets lost in the mix.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the spice profile.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Gives the sauce that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends a touch of earthy, savory depth to the final sauce.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a subtle sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a whisper of heat—feel free to adjust for your spice level.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Doubles down on tomato richness, intensifying color and flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): The hearty base that gives your sauce body and deep tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds a smooth texture and helps everything meld together.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Give pops of fresh tomato all throughout.
- Beef broth or water (1/2 cup): Use broth for even more umami, or keep things light with water.
- Bay leaves (2): Toss these in for an extra layer of aromatic flavor as the sauce simmers.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): For a bright, herby finish that lifts the whole dish.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a classic Italian aroma and a vibrant green pop at the end.
How to Make Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onion to become soft and translucent, which lays the foundation for a deeply flavorful sauce. Once the onion is just about perfect, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, just until fragrant. The aroma at this stage is genuinely mouthwatering.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Scoot those gorgeous aromatics to the side and add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Break up the meats with a wooden spoon and cook until everything is nicely browned and no pink remains. This step not only brings out the savory notes in your Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce, but also creates delicious little browned bits (fond) on the bottom of the pan. If there’s a lot of excess fat, feel free to drain it off to keep your sauce from being too greasy.
Step 3: Season and Toast the Spices
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes over the meat mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so the spices evenly coat the meat. Then add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for about two minutes. Letting the tomato paste toast a bit brings a remarkable depth of flavor that truly sets this sauce apart.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth (or water). Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom. Nestle the bay leaves into the pot, then bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, partially cover the pot, and let it bubble away softly for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring now and then. The flavors will meld beautifully, and your kitchen will smell like pure comfort during this step.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs
After your sauce has thickened and deepened in color, fish out the bay leaves and discard them. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and basil for that signature fresh-herb finish. Taste for seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt or a bit of pepper—and you’re ready to plate up a steaming bowl of Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce. Serve piping hot over your favorite spaghetti.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Garnishes
The right finishing touches make your spaghetti scene unmistakably Italian! Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can never steer you wrong. A sprinkle of extra fresh basil or a dash of chopped parsley looks beautiful and adds a fresh note. If you like it spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic too.
Side Dishes
You can never go wrong with classic sides like a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar, or a basket of buttery garlic bread for sopping up extra sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans are perfect for a lighter touch. For an Italian-American feast, add a cozy bowl of minestrone soup to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce doesn’t need much to impress, but you can have fun with your presentations! Turn it into baked spaghetti by layering it with cheese and baking till bubbly. Use the sauce in a hearty lasagna, spoon it over roasted spaghetti squash for a lighter meal, or serve it family-style for that rustic trattoria vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled sauce into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. The flavors get even better the next day! Stored properly, your sauce will keep for up to four days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Freezing
This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a dream to freeze. Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers (lay flat for stacking!). Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently in a saucepan when you need a pasta fix.
Reheating
To reheat, simply spoon your sauce into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the sauce looks a bit thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce meatless?
Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and Italian sausage, and try adding sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based ground “meat” for a delicious vegetarian version with all the same comfort-factor.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this sauce?
Long, sturdy noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are classic choices for Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce because they hold onto that chunky sauce perfectly. Of course, you can use any pasta you love—even penne or gluten-free options!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, if you have a bumper crop of ripe tomatoes, use about 3 pounds, peeled and crushed, instead of the canned tomatoes. Simmer the sauce a bit longer to let everything thicken and develop deeper flavor.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
Crank up the heat by increasing the crushed red pepper flakes, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Spicy Italian sausage works great for an extra layer of kick as well!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You sure can. Just use a large Dutch oven or stockpot, and make sure to stir occasionally so the sauce doesn’t stick. This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep and gatherings alike.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a go-to pasta dish that delivers every single time, this Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce is it. It brings together classic Italian-American comfort, simple kitchen staples, and a big dose of nostalgia in every bite. Don’t be surprised if it earns a top spot in your dinner rotation—try it once and you’ll be hooked, sharing jars with family or savoring a bowl all to yourself!
Print
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce recipe is a hearty and flavorful staple for any Italian-American meal. Made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, simmered with aromatic herbs and tomatoes, it’s a comforting dish perfect for topping your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook aromatics: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Brown meats: Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, basil, oregano, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Add tomato: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Simmer sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Finish: Remove bay leaves, stir in parsley and basil. Adjust seasoning. Serve over spaghetti.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce for up to 2 hours.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
