This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting pasta night. Simmered with aromatic herbs and tomatoes, it’s a versatile sauce that pairs wonderfully with any type of pasta. You can make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy meals!
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef 🥩
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce 🍅
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste 🍅
- 1 cup water 💧
- 2 teaspoons sugar 🍬
- 2 teaspoons dried basil 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat olive oil:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef:
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- Add onions:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Add tomato products:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water.
- Season:
- Add sugar, dried basil, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
- Bring to a boil:
- Increase the heat and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
- Reduce and simmer:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more water.
5. Serve:
- Serve over pasta:
- Pour the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
🍽️ Tips:
- Extra veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste; more sugar will reduce acidity, while more herbs will intensify flavor.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
🔥 Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Enjoy this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef over a plate of pasta or as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or any of your favorite Italian dishes! 🍝🌿