Spaghetti with meat sauce

Here’s a classic, easy spaghetti with meat sauce—simple, hearty, and family-friendly.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
• Salt & black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 12 oz spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the meat
   • In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, brown ground beef.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Build the sauce
   • Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
   • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
   • Stir in marinara (or tomatoes), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and sugar (if using).
4. Simmer
   • Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve
   • Spoon sauce over spaghetti.
   • Top with Parmesan (and fresh basil if you have it).

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Optional Upgrades

• Add red pepper flakes for heat
• Stir in heavy cream for a rose-style sauce
• Use Italian sausage for more flavor
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers

If you want, I can adjust this for slow cooker, no onion, or extra thick meat sauce.