If you’re craving a hearty, comforting classic Italian dinner that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Made Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe. It’s a rich, flavor-packed sauce simmered to perfection with juicy ground chuck, fresh veggies, and a beautiful blend of herbs and spices. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of spaghetti, making dinner a memorable and delicious occasion for family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for a deeply flavorful and satisfying meat sauce. Each component plays a special role—whether it’s bringing sweetness, acidity, or that hearty mouthfeel—ensuring every bite is packed with comfort and authenticity.
- 2 lbs ground chuck: Offers rich, juicy flavor and the perfect texture for the meat sauce.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds a fresh, slightly chunky tomato bite for texture contrast.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Provides a smooth and robust tomato base for the sauce.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce: Builds the sauce’s body and balances acidity and sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and adds a lovely richness to the overall dish.
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Gives the sauce its aromatic, savory depth.
- 1 large onion (or 2 medium), diced: Adds sweetness and a satisfying bite when cooked down.
- 1 green pepper, diced: Brings a subtle crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances garlic’s punch with consistent flavor throughout.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Reinforces the onion’s sweetness within the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil: Contributes a classic, sweet-herby Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together harmoniously.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Delivers earthiness and a slightly peppery edge.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat and depth.
How to Make Made Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating up olive oil in an extra-large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and green pepper, cooking them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step is key in building a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown It
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook until it turns fragrant and lightly browned. This delicate process deepens the sauce’s aroma and brings out a lovely, savory character.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Chuck
Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook it until fully browned, breaking up large chunks as you go. Once browned, drain off any excess grease for a leaner sauce that still stays juicy and tender.
Step 4: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, sweet basil, Italian seasoning, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so the meat gets evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend—this is where flavor really starts to shine.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Follow with the tomato sauce, mixing everything well. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce bubble away slowly for about an hour. This slow cooking lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until al dente. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water helps prevent sticking and keeps your pasta silky.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Drain the pasta and toss it directly with the luscious meat sauce so every strand is coated in that rich, delicious goodness. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot, ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Made Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the top for a salty, nutty finish. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your spaghetti meat sauce with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables also complement this hearty meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy twist, serve the meat sauce layered in a baked spaghetti casserole topped with mozzarella and baked until bubbly and golden. Or try stuffing bell peppers with spaghetti and meat sauce for an inviting, fun presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hearty meat sauce stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a perfect candidate for quick weeknight meals with minimal fuss.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully too! Place cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just label and date for easy identification.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve its rich flavors, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this Made Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chuck offers great flavor and fat content, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture of beef and pork for a slightly different but still delicious result.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, dried parsley works well in this recipe. Just use about one-third of the amount called for with fresh, as dried herbs have more concentrated flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the spaghetti from sticking?
Boiling pasta in salted water with a splash of olive oil and stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking. Be sure to drain promptly and toss with sauce to keep strands separated.
How long can I simmer the sauce for optimal flavor?
Simmering for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but you can also let it go longer on very low heat for even richer depth, just stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Can I make this sauce gluten-free?
Definitely! Just serve the meat sauce over gluten-free pasta varieties like rice or corn spaghetti, and you’ll enjoy all the flavor without gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Made Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people together around the table. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers a deeply satisfying taste that feels like a warm kitchen hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a beloved family staple in your home too.
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Made Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti meat sauce made with ground chuck, a mix of diced and crushed tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Simmered to perfection for a rich taste, this classic Italian-American dish pairs perfectly with spaghetti pasta for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chuck
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 large onion (or 2 medium onions), diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- Spaghetti pasta (quantity not specified, typically 12 ounces for 6 servings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta water)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In an extra-large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onions and diced green pepper to the hot oil and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until browned and aromatic, careful not to burn it.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook until fully browned. Drain excess grease from the meat to keep the sauce from being too oily.
- Season the meat: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, minced parsley, dried sweet basil, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper thoroughly into the browned ground chuck for even flavor.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in the crushed and diced tomatoes, blending them well with the seasoned meat.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, stir again to combine all ingredients, then lower the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 hour to develop rich flavors.
- Cook spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water to help prevent the spaghetti from sticking together. Cook the spaghetti for about 7 to 8 minutes until al dente.
- Drain and serve: Drain the cooked spaghetti thoroughly. Plate the pasta, top with the hot meat sauce, and serve immediately for a comforting classic Italian meal.
Notes
- Simmering the sauce for a full hour enhances the depth of flavor by allowing the herbs and tomatoes to meld with the meat.
- Using ground chuck gives the sauce a rich, juicy texture due to its fat content; you can substitute with leaner beef if preferred.
- Add a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your sauce.
- The olive oil added to pasta water helps prevent sticking but is optional if you stir the pasta frequently.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
