There’s something so comforting about a giant pot of Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef bubbling away on the stove. This sauce is thick, hearty, and packed with the flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and ground beef, making it the ultimate dinner option for spaghetti night. It’s easy to make with pantry staples and leaves your house smelling like an Italian kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or whip up a weeknight meal, this recipe has got your back. So, grab your pasta pot, because dinner is about to get amazing!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef Recipe
Spaghetti nights are a staple in so many households across America, and this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef hits all the right notes. It’s not just a plain tomato sauce—it’s loaded with juicy ground beef, savory garlic, and Italian herbs that bring the whole thing to life. This recipe reminds me of holidays at my grandma’s house when the smell of simmering spaghetti sauce would fill the kitchen, making it impossible not to sneak a taste. And let’s be honest: spaghetti sauce is one of those things that instantly feels like home. What makes this recipe extra special is how versatile it is. You can make it as spicy, chunky, or smooth as you like. Plus, it’s an absolute game-changer for meal prepping because you can freeze it and save it for later. Perfect for those evenings when the last thing you want to do is cook something from scratch. With this recipe, you’re in for an unforgettable, restaurant-quality meal right at home.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy for busy weeknights
- Rich, hearty flavor from ground beef
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for meal prepping and freezing
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Customizable for different diets
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: The star of the dish. You can swap it for ground turkey or a plant-based ground beef option for a vegetarian twist.
- Canned Tomatoes: A must for that rich, tomatoey base. Crushed, diced, or whole canned tomatoes work fine.
- Garlic and Onion: These build the aromatic foundation. Shallots can work as a substitute for onion.
- Italian Seasoning: For that signature flavor. If you don’t have a premixed blend, use a combo of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and rich consistency. Ketchup can be a last-minute alternative, but it’s sweeter, so use less.
- Olive Oil: Needed for sautéing and flavor. Canola or vegetable oil will do in a pinch.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Heat a large pot or skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Once warm, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, cooking for a minute to let the flavors deepen. This step takes the sauce to the next level!
- Step 4: Pour in the canned tomatoes. If they’re whole, crush them with a spoon as they cook. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Lower the heat to let the sauce simmer. Allow it to thicken and develop its hearty flavors over 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot over your favorite pasta, and get ready to dig in!
Expert Tips for Success
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—it really makes a difference!
Let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes to build up the flavor.
If your sauce feels too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance the tomatoes.
Thicken your sauce with an extra tablespoon of tomato paste if you like it dense.
Double the recipe for freezing later—it’s a lifesaver for busy nights!
Variations and Customizations
Want to switch things up? You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. Veggie lovers can skip the meat entirely and toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Love a spicy kick? Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk toward the end of cooking. The sky’s the limit!
Nutritional Information
This hearty homemade sauce has about 250-300 calories per serving, with a good balance of protein from the ground beef and carbs from the tomatoes. It’s also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes. For additional nutritional benefits, serve it over whole-grain pasta or spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portion-sized bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight and heat it gently on the stove. If it’s thickened too much, just stir in a little water or broth.
Recipe Card of Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Ingredients list
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, gather all your ingredients together.
- In a large saucepan, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring regularly, until the meat is browned and crumbly and the vegetables are tender—typically 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the pan. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve the sauce hot over your choice of pasta and savor every bite!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your canned tomatoes and seasonings are gluten-free, you’re good to go. Always double-check labels to be sure.
How do I serve this sauce?
Pair it with your pasta of choice, spoon it over spaghetti squash, or use it as a pizza sauce!
What’s the best type of pasta to serve with this sauce?
Classic spaghetti is always a win, but it also works great with penne, farfalle, or even zoodles for a low-carb twist.
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef looks amazing! I love how simple and hearty it is with the oregano and basil. I might add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, but it’s perfect as is! Can’t wait to try this for family dinner!