Here’s a delicious, cozy Homemade Spaghetti—complete with a rich from-scratch meat sauce. Easy, comforting, and perfect for weeknights!
🍝 Homemade Spaghetti
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
or 1 jar tomato sauce - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: splash of red wine
For the Pasta
- 12–16 oz dried spaghetti
- Salt for the pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside—but don’t rinse.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until soft (3–4 minutes).
- Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes, water/broth, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Longer simmer = deeper flavor.
- Add extra water if it gets too thick.
3. Combine
- Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, or ladle the sauce on top when serving.
4. Serve
Top with Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.
⭐ Optional Upgrades
- More flavor: Add a splash of red wine when sautéing the beef.
- Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone.
- Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Authentic touch: Add a parmesan rind while simmering, then remove before serving.
If you want, I can give you:
🍝 a simple 15-minute version
🍅 a slow cooker version
🌱 a vegetarian or vegan version
🍄 a chunky veggie spaghetti sauce
Just tell me!
