Imagine a classic comfort meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with anticipation. This Spaghetti Meat Sauce is more than just a recipe – it’s a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish that will become a staple in your meal rotation. Packed with robust flavors and made with love, this sauce promises to elevate your pasta night from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients
- Meat and Tomatoes:
- 2 lbs (907 g) ground chuck
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) tomato sauce
- Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried sweet basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat
Add ground chuck and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Season and Simmer
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Lower heat and simmer on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare the Pasta
Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water for 7–8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Serve
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce or serve the sauce over the pasta.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Why This Spaghetti Meat Sauce is Awesome
This homemade meat sauce is not just delicious – it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with protein from the ground chuck, loaded with vegetables, and seasoned with antioxidant-rich herbs, it offers a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The slow simmering process allows flavors to develop deeply, creating a sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.
The combination of fresh and dried herbs provides layers of complexity, while the variety of tomato products ensures a rich, robust sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that can be made in large batches and frozen, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, or add a splash of red wine during the simmering process.