Indulge in this savory spaghetti delight with hearty meat sauce that's perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in! This delicious recipe features ground beef or turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs that come together in a rich tomato sauce. Follow our simple cooking steps to create a meal that's sure to impress. Click through to explore this mouthwatering dish and elevate your weeknight dinners!
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef or turkey (your choice for a lighter option)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 bell pepper, finely diced (choose red for sweetness or yellow for a milder taste)
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste (for depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mediterranean)
1 teaspoon dried basil (for aromatic sweetness)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for richer taste)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
![- 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, finely diced - 1 bell pepper, finely diced The main ingredients form the base of our dish. Spaghetti is the star, while ground meat adds heartiness. Onions and garlic provide a sweet and savory base. Carrots and bell peppers add color and crunch. - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Optional: red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper Seasonings make the flavor pop. Crushed tomatoes give the sauce a rich base. Tomato paste adds depth. Oregano and basil bring aromatic warmth. You can add red pepper flakes for heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese - Optional wine pairings for a complete meal For serving, fresh basil adds a bright touch. Grated Parmesan offers a salty finish. Pairing your dish with wine can elevate the meal, making it feel more special. For the full recipe, visit the [Full Recipe]. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. To start, fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. This step flavors the pasta. Heat until the water reaches a rolling boil. Then, add the spaghetti. Check the package for cooking time, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it firm, not mushy. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti but save about 1 cup of the starchy water. This water helps thicken the sauce later. - Sauté vegetables. - Brown the ground meat. In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it on medium. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onion. Stir it for about 3 minutes until soft. Next, add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and bell pepper. Cook this mix for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and tender. Now, add your ground beef or turkey. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. If there’s too much fat, carefully drain it off. - Add sauce components. - Mix in cooked pasta with sauce. Once the meat is browned, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Then stir in the oregano, basil, and any red pepper flakes if you like heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. If it gets too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta. Heat for another 2-3 minutes, making sure everything blends well. This method gives the dish a rich flavor and a satisfying texture. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above. Cooking pasta is simple, but a few tips help. Always use salted water. Salt adds flavor to the pasta. It makes a big difference in taste. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Reserve some pasta water after cooking. This water is starchy and helps sauce cling to the pasta. Add a little to your sauce if it gets too thick. This small step can change your dish. Quality meat matters. I suggest using lean ground beef or turkey. Freshness leads to a better taste. When you pick your meat, look for a bright color and a firm texture. Choosing the right tomatoes is key, too. I recommend whole canned tomatoes. They have a richer flavor than crushed or diced. Crush them by hand for a more rustic sauce. You can also use San Marzano tomatoes for a sweet touch. You can cook spaghetti with meat sauce in different ways. A slow cooker works well. Just brown the meat and add all the ingredients to the pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Feel free to add extra ingredients. Chopped mushrooms or spinach can boost nutrition. You can also add a splash of red wine for depth. Each twist makes your dish unique. For the full recipe, you can refer to the detailed instructions above. {{image_4}} You can make spaghetti with meat sauce vegetarian by using lentils or plant-based meat. Lentils offer a hearty texture. They are also full of protein and fiber. You can use any type of lentils, but green or brown work best. Plant-based meats can mimic the taste of beef. Look for good brands at your local store. For added flavor, toss in more veggies. Here are some great choices to include: - Mushrooms for a savory taste - Spinach for added nutrition - Zucchini for a fresh crunch - Bell peppers for sweetness If you want a low-carb option, try using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta. Zucchini noodles are easy to make. Just spiralize zucchini into thin strips. Spaghetti squash is fun to cook. Bake it and scrape the insides with a fork for noodle-like strands. You can also use alternative sauces. Try a creamy Alfredo or a light pesto. These sauces pair well with low-carb noodles. They add a rich flavor without the carbs. Spaghetti with meat sauce can be made with local ingredients. For example, in Italy, fresh tomatoes and basil are key. Use fresh herbs from your garden or local market. They will boost the flavor of your sauce. You can also adjust the spice level. In some regions, people like it spicy. You might add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce. In other places, a milder sauce is preferred. You can leave out the heat and focus on fresh herbs instead. To keep your leftover spaghetti fresh, first, let it cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze spaghetti with meat sauce for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat your pasta using a few methods. The best way is in the microwave. Place it in a bowl and add a splash of water. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta moist. You can also reheat it in a skillet. Add a little olive oil or water, and stir over low heat. This method helps keep the texture nice. In the fridge, your spaghetti with meat sauce lasts about four days. If it has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it's best to throw it away. Signs that it should be discarded include a sour smell or mold. If it looks or smells off, don’t risk it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To make sauce from scratch, you need fresh ingredients. Start by heating olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Then, mix in minced garlic, diced carrot, and bell pepper. Cook these for a few minutes. Next, add ground beef or turkey and brown it well. After that, pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in tomato paste. Season with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This method gives you a rich and tasty sauce. Spaghetti and meat sauce pairs well with simple sides. Consider serving a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is always a hit as well. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for color and nutrition. For something heartier, serve with roasted potatoes. These sides balance the meal and add extra flavor. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook and store the meat sauce in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it before mixing with fresh pasta. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stove. This makes mealtime quick and easy. This blog post covers everything you need for classic spaghetti with meat sauce. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. We explored tasty variations, proper storage, and common questions. Spaghetti is fun to make and share. With simple steps and smart choices, you can create a dish that suits your taste. Enjoy cooking, experimenting, and savoring a delicious meal!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6abff2c9-9856-4758-ad1a-6ff6da8152be-250x250.webp)