Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This easy spaghetti with meat sauce is always my go-to when I want a hearty family dinner that feels both comforting and impressive. The sauce comes together quickly but tastes like it has simmered all day and the finishing touches make it restaurant-worthy at home.

I first whipped this up on a busy weeknight and everyone ended up fighting for leftovers. It has been a repeat request at family meals ever since.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: adds savory richness and makes the sauce hearty try to choose eighty five percent lean for tender flavor
• Italian sausage: brings a kick of spice and juicy texture mild or spicy depending on your preference and buy fresh from your butcher if you can
• Italian seasoning: provides fragrant herbs that mimic old world flavor make sure it is fresh and aromatic
• Sea salt: brightens up all the flavors opt for flaky or fine quality salt
• Crushed tomatoes: create the sauce base pick a trusted brand with no added flavors
• Red wine vinegar: gives the sauce subtle tang and depth use a good quality aged vinegar
• Butter: adds silkiness and softens the acidity of tomatoes use real unsalted butter for best results
• Sugar: balances the tomato’s natural acidity a teaspoon smooths out the flavor
• White onion: infuses sweet mild flavor the secret is leaving it whole to gently flavor the sauce without overpowering
• Spaghetti: classic pasta that cooks up chewy and holds onto the sauce buy a bronze cut variety for extra velvety texture
• Grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for serving: finish each plate with a generous sprinkle for freshness and a bit of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat:

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat add the ground beef and Italian sausage sprinkle the Italian seasoning and sea salt evenly across the top break up the meat with a spoon and cook for seven to nine minutes until browned and crumbly this layering of spices right on the meat helps develop a deep flavor

Build the Sauce:

Add the crushed tomatoes red wine vinegar butter and sugar right to the browned meat gently stir to incorporate tuck in the onion half making sure it is mostly submerged this onion will lend a sweet background note as it simmers remove and discard the onion before serving

Simmer Low and Slow:

Reduce the heat so the sauce just barely bubbles let it simmer uncovered for twenty to thirty minutes stir occasionally to prevent sticking this slow cook time is what thickens the sauce and mingles all the flavors giving it homemade richness

Cook the Pasta:

While the sauce simmers bring a big pot of water to a full rolling boil add a generous pinch of salt then the spaghetti cook just until al dente check the package for timing and taste a strand to be sure drain in a colander but do not rinse this keeps the sauce clinging perfectly

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the rich meat sauce over a tangle of hot spaghetti on each plate finish with a generous flurry of grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes let everyone add more cheese or heat as they like

Save

I always look forward to swirling my fork through the tangy sauce and cheese because that touch of onion makes the flavors sing. My kids now insist the whole onion trick is what makes “mom’s sauce” extra special and will not let me skip it.

Storage Tips

Leftover sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage freeze in individual portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove and thin with a splash of water if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all ground beef if you do not have Italian sausage or try turkey sausage for a lighter touch. Whole wheat pasta works just as well as traditional spaghetti. If out of red wine vinegar a splash of balsamic or lemon juice gives similar brightness.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta tastes fantastic with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Sometimes I set out bowls of olives or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. It is also great served straight from the pot for a casual gathering.

Save

Cultural Context

Spaghetti with meat sauce has deep Italian American roots but this style is very much a family invention. The addition of butter and vinegar borrows from both Italian home cooking and classic comfort food traditions.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ground meat works best here?

Ground beef is recommended for richness, but turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.

→ Why is the onion left whole in the sauce?

Keeping the onion whole allows it to infuse gentle flavor into the sauce without overpowering or adding texture.

→ Can I omit the Italian sausage?

Yes, you may use only ground beef for simplicity, but sausage adds extra depth and spice to the sauce.

→ How can I make this meal ahead?

The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making quick dinners easy.

→ What pasta shapes work well with this sauce?

Classic spaghetti is preferred, but fettuccine or penne also pair nicely with the hearty sauce.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a finishing touch for extra heat.