Homestyle Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti and Beef:

1 lb. ground beef 

12 oz.  spaghetti

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Homemade Tomato Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped 

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or 5–6 fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped)

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Make the sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cook the spaghetti:

1. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Cook the beef:

1. In a large skillet, add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add diced onion and cook until soft (if not already used in the sauce).
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Combine beef and sauce:

1. Pour the homemade tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef.
2. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5–10 more minutes to meld flavors.

Assemble and serve:

Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce, or plate the pasta and spoon the sauce on top.

Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.