What is spaghetti meat sauce? My grandma used to make this sauce every Sunday, filling the whole house with this. She had a lot of it. What are some comforting aromas? It’s the kind of smell that just pulls you in, you know? Think of it as a hug in tin. Is it better than a jarred sauce? Is it easier to make than opening a jar? We’re talking deeply savory, rich, and just slightly sweet – the perfect Spaghetti Meat Sauce. What are some of the best kitchen gadgets you have ever seen? Is there a secret ingredient in ragu?

What is Spaghetti Meat Sauce?

Spaghetti Meat Sauce, at its heart, is a hearty, tomato-based sauce simmered for hours with Ground Beef. What meat do you use – beef, pork or a combination? What’s on sale at the butcher? Think of it as a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. What is essentially a slow-cooked stew where tomatoes, meat, and spices meld together into one. What are some of the most complex flavors? The name is simple, but it delivers a lot more than you might expect. What’s the perfect pairing for spaghetti? I’ve been known to dollop it on crusty bread, use it as a pizza topping, or even just eat it. Just eat it straight from the pot with a spoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? You’ll love this Spaghetti Meat Sauce because it’s seriously bursting with flavor. We’re talking that rich, savory umami that just coats your tongue. The depth of flavor you get from the slow simmer is unreal. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Don’t let the long simmer time scare you – most of that time is completely hands-off. You just throw everything in a pot, let it bubble away, and the magic happens on its own! It’s also super cost-efficient. Ground meat is relatively inexpensive, and canned tomatoes are pantry staples. It stretches a long way, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for days. Speaking of versatility, you can use it on pasta, in lasagna, as a base for chili, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers. My Bolognese sauce is similar, but this has that distinct Grandma Rosa’s secret that sets it apart! The smell alone is enough to bring everyone running to the kitchen, trust me.

How do you make Spaghetti Meat Sauce?

Quick Overview

How do you make Spaghetti Meat Sauce? First, you’ll brown the meat and sauté the aromatics – onions, garlic, and carrots, the holy holy. Then, you add the tomatoes, herbs and that secret ingredient, and let it all simmer low and slow. For at least two hours. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it becomes. Don’t be intimidated by the If you’ve never made pasta sauce before, you can easily make it yourself. I believe in you!

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Spaghetti meat sauce?
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin because we’re fancy!
* 1 large onion, diced. Yellow or white, whatever you’ve got.
* 2 carrots, diced. Don’t skip these; they add sweetness.
* 2 celery stalks, diced. Another essential aromatic.
* 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, but jarred will do in a pinch.
* 1 pound ground beef, I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but lean works too
* 1/2 pound ground pork, adds depth. Omit if you prefer all beef
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, I swear by San Marzano if you can find them
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, any brand is fine
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, trust me, it adds richness
* 1 cup dry red wine, like Chianti or Merlot. Don’t use anything you wouldn’t drink!
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano, the classic Italian herb
* 1 teaspoon dried basil, because we need more herbs!
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for a little kick
* 1 bay leaf, don’t forget to remove it before serving!
* 1 teaspoon sugar, balances the acidity of the tomatoes
* Salt and pepper to taste, be generous!
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Makes it look pretty!
* What is the secret ingredient in aWhat is a good amount of whole milk or heavy cream? What is the best way to add flavor to a dish?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. How do you stir occasionally to prevent burning. This is where magic starts happening. When the whole house starts to smell amazing!

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef and pork to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. How do I drain off excess fat?

Step 3: Add Garlic & Toast

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Why is garlic bitter?

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

If you have a large pot of red wine, pour it in and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Where the flavor hides?

Step 5: Add Tomatoes & Seasonings

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and pepper. Set aside. Leaf, sugar, salt, pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 6: The Secret Addition

Is it good to stir in heavy cream or milk? Is there any subtle richness that you can’t put your finger on?

Step 7: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours or up to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better it gets! Just make sure to check it every once in a while to make certain that it’s not sticking to the bottom of the car. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 8: Serve & Garnish

Serve hot over spaghetti, garnished with fresh parmesan cheese. My family loves Garlic Bread. Is it good for dipping?

What should I serve it with?

What are some great uses for Spaghetti Meat Sauce? I like to use a good quality spaghetti, like De Cecco or Barilla. Can you serve it with other types of pasta, like penne, rigatoni, or even lasagna noodles? For a complete meal, serve it with roasted potatoes and garlic bread. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top. For a cozy night in, I love to pair it with drank red wine and movie. My kids love it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for dipping. I sometimes sneak it into grilled cheese sandwiches – don’t knock it ‘Til you try it!

How do I make Spaghetti Meat Sauce?

What are some tips for making Spaghetti Meat Sauce?How do I brown meat properly?If you overcrowd the pot, or the meat will steam instead of browning, be careful not to overcook it. Brown it in batches if necessary.Don’t skip carrots and celery. They are great for snacking.. They add a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce. I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this one. Use good quality tomatoes.San Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard, but any good-quality canned tomatoes will work.Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.I sometimes add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to my recipe.What is the simmer time? The longer you simmer the sauce, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually simmer it for at least 2 hours, but sometimes I let it go for 4 or even 6 hours. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. Add more salt, pepper, sugar, or red pepper flakes as needed. What is the secret ingredient?What is the difference between heavy cream and milk? Is it true that almond milk makes it creamier?

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do I make Spaghetti Meat Sauce ahead of time? What do you think of it the next day?How do I store it in the refrigerator? let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen), then heat it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but I prefer the stovetop method. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it will splatter everywhere!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the meat and add some chopped mushrooms or lentils. You might need to add a little extra vegetable broth to keep it from drying out.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but you’ll need a *lot* of them! About 6 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped. Also, the flavor will be slightly different, as canned tomatoes tend to be sweeter and more concentrated.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

What kind of wine should I use?

A dry red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works best. Don’t use anything too sweet or fruity. And remember, don’t use anything you wouldn’t drink!

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant would all be great additions. Just add them along with the carrots and celery.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Meat Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of my childhood, a reminder of family gatherings and Sunday dinners at Grandma Rosa’s. I truly hope you’ll give it a try! The rich flavor and ease of making it are totally worth it. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Lasagna Recipe, which uses a very similar sauce. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them too! Happy cooking!