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Here’s a classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce recipe that’s rich, hearty, and easy to make. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or diced, if you like chunkier sauce)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth or red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Push the meat to one side of the skillet and add the chopped onion and grated carrot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth or red wine.
- Add the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if needed). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will deepen as it cooks.
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, or serve the sauce ladled over individual portions of spaghetti.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Tips:
- Make it richer: Add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter to the sauce before serving.
- Vegetable boost: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Freezer-friendly: The meat sauce freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your Spaghetti with Meat Sauce—a comforting classic that never goes out of style! 🍝✨
