Beef spaghetti—what a classic! It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the kind of comforting meal that everyone loves. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for a crowd, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Here’s a simple and delicious beef spaghetti recipe that’s packed with flavor from the ground beef, tomatoes, and spices.
Beef Spaghetti
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1/4 cup tomato paste
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1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
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1 tbsp dried oregano
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1 tbsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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12 oz spaghetti pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
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2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
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Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water just in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
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Cook the Beef:
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While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5–7 minutes, until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
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Add Onion and Garlic:
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To the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Make the Sauce:
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
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Pour in the beef broth (or water), and then stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
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Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
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Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
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Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, toss in the cooked spaghetti. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2–3 minutes so the pasta soaks up the sauce.
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Serve:
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Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
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Pro Tips:
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Add veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, you can add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
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Use Italian sausage: If you want a bit of extra flavor, you can replace or mix the ground beef with Italian sausage for a more savory kick.
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Sauce variation: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving.
💡 Variations: If you love a little heat, you can kick up the spice by adding some chopped chili peppers or a bit more red pepper flakes.
This beef spaghetti is so satisfying, with a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day—so leftovers are a win!
Do you like your spaghetti with a lot of sauce or more on the dry side with just a bit of sauce?
