The Best Meat Sauce for Spaghetti (Thick, Hearty & Flavorful)

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Spring is here, but that doesn’t mean we’re done with comfort food! This meat sauce is perfect for dinner or meal prep. Serve it over your favorite spaghetti for an easy, delicious meal.

A picture of meat sauce with ground beef and spaghetti

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 mins Servings: 4-6

Why This Meat Sauce Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

This isn’t just another meat sauce recipe – it’s the result of countless hours of testing and perfecting to create the ultimate homemade sauce that’s:

  • Rich and deeply flavored with the perfect blend of herbs and spices.
  • Made with simple, accessible ingredients you probably already have.
  • Versatile enough for any pasta dish.
  • Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep.
  • Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.
  • Ready in just 30 minutes (or simmer longer for even richer flavor).

Understanding Meat Sauce vs. Bolognese

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clear up a common confusion. While both are delicious Italian-inspired sauces, they’re quite different:

Key Differences:

  • Meat Selection: This meat sauce uses ground beef for accessibility and flavor, while Bolognese traditionally combines ground beef and pork.
  • Base Ingredients: This sauce highlights bright tomato flavors, while Bolognese includes milk and more vegetables.
  • Cooking Time: Our sauce is ready in 30 minutes, though you can simmer longer. Bolognese requires several hours.
  • Texture: This sauce is rich and chunky, while Bolognese is creamy and silky.
  • Versatility: This meat sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta shape, while Bolognese traditionally goes with flat pasta.

Ingredients for Perfect Meat Sauce

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon beef base (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

No Crushed Tomatoes?? No problem

Q: What do I do if I don’t have any crushed tomatoes?
A: No worries! You have several options:

  • Tomato sauce – Use an equal amount for a smoother, slightly thinner sauce. Simmer longer to thicken.
  • Marinara sauce – Works great in a pinch! Just adjust seasonings since marinara is already seasoned.
  • Diced canned tomatoes – Blend them slightly or simmer longer to break them down.
  • Whole canned tomatoes – Crush them by hand or blend for a similar texture.
  • Tomato paste + water – Mix 1 part paste with 2 parts water to create a quick substitute.

Meat Sauce Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  4. Cook until beef is no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2. Build the Sauce

  1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, water, and all seasonings.
  3. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add fresh basil.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer and Serve

  • For quick meals: Simmer for 30 minutes.
  • For deeper flavor: Simmer up to 2 hours, adding water if needed.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Pro Tips for the Best Meat Sauce

A picture of spaghetti sauce with spaghetti on a plate.

Meat Selection

  • Use 80-85% lean ground beef for best flavor.
  • Avoid extra-lean beef as it can make the sauce dry.
  • For extra depth, try mixing ground beef with Italian sausage.

Tomato Tips

  • Use high-quality crushed tomatoes – we recommend Hunt’s.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to the meat sauce to help balance acidity if needed.
  • For natural sweetness, try caramelizing your onions longer.

Flavor Enhancers

  • Better Than Bouillon beef base adds rich, savory depth.
  • Fresh basil makes a huge difference in final flavor.
  • Save some pasta water to help sauce cling to noodles.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

How to Refrigerate Meat Sauce

  • Cool completely before storing.
  • Keeps in airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave.

Freezing Instructions

  1. Cool the meat sauce completely.
  2. Portion into freezer-safe containers.
  3. Label with date and contents.
  4. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
  5. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

Scaling the Recipe

For Large Batches

  • Recipe yields 8-10 cups as written.
  • Double ingredients for 16-20 cups.
  • Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
  • 1 pound of pasta needs about 3 cups of sauce.

Ways to Use Meat Sauce

This versatile meat sauce works beautifully in:

A picture of a pot of meat sauce
  • Spaghetti
  • Ravioli lasagna
  • Homemade lasagna
  • Baked ziti or penne
  • Meatball subs
  • Over ravioli or tortellini
  • Stuffed shells
  • Quick pizza topping

Troubleshooting Tips

A closeup picture of meat sauce in a pot

Sauce Too Acidic?

  • Add sugar 1/4 teaspoon at a time.
  • Try adding a pat of butter.
  • Carrots can add natural sweetness.

Sauce Too Thick?

  • Add pasta water gradually.
  • Use beef broth for extra flavor.
  • Avoid adding plain water if possible.

Meat Sauce Too Thin?

  • Simmer uncovered to reduce.
  • Add extra tomato paste.
  • Continue cooking until desired consistency.
A photo of meat sauce with spaghetti on a plate

Recipe FAQ

Q: Can I use different meat?
A: Yes! Try ground turkey, pork, or Italian sausage.

Q: Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, brown meat first, then cook on low 6-8 hours.

Q: How long does it meat sauce keep in the fridge?
A: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.

A close up photo of meat sauce on a plate

rich and hearty meat sauce in a pot

How to Make Rich and Hearty Meat Sauce

April Boller Wright
Get dinner done fast so you can enjoy the extra daylight! This quick meat sauce is a no-fuss meal for busy spring evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz box of spaghetti cooked al dente and drained
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef chuck Use 80% fat
  • 1 cup yellow onions diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste I used Cento brand
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes Hunts brand
  • 1/4 tsp beef base I used Better than Bouillon beef base *optional
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder or more for taste
  • 3/4 tsp onion powder or more for taste
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red peppers or more for taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 tsp granulated white sugar Or up to 1 tbsp or more for taste (this helps to balance the flavor of the tomato sauce)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter optional*
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt This is an estimate. I usually add a bit more.
  • 1/2 tsp pepper or more for taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and ground beef. Cook until it's no longer pink. Add minced garlic. Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the water, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Better than Bouillon Beef Base, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, bay leaf, butter, sugar, salt and pepper to the pot.
  • Mix well and cover with a tight fitted lid. Cook for about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if you like. Serve hot over spaghetti.

Video

Notes

Recipe Notes & Tips

Watch & Cook Along! Want to see exactly how to make this meat sauce? Check out the quick video above and follow along for the best results!

Pro Tips for the Best Meat Sauce:

  • Meat Selection: Use 80-85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. For extra depth, try mixing in Italian sausage.
  • Tomato Choice: High-quality crushed tomatoes (like Hunt’s or San Marzano) make a big difference. A pinch of sugar helps balance acidity.
  • Flavor Boosters: Adding a little Better Than Bouillon (beef flavor) or a splash of red wine makes the sauce richer. Don’t skip the fresh basil!
  • Simmer for Maximum Flavor: Letting the sauce cook low and slow (at least 30 minutes) helps develop deep, savory flavors.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Bonus Tip: This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Blog post updated January 2025. No changes to the recipe.
Keyword best meat sauce, best spaghetti sauce, meat sauce, spaghetti sauce
Like this? Leave a comment below!Let us know how it was!

 

check out some of my Other Pasta Recipes

Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta 
Easy Ravioli Lasagna 
Lasagna Soup
15 Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipes

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10 Comments

  1. This meat sauce was very easy to make and absolutely delicious! I didn’t have Better than Bouillon on hand, but it still turned out fantastic. I usually rely on jarred sauce, but my husband insisted I stop lol, so I went looking for a homemade alternative and I found yours. He grew up eating a lot of spaghetti and still loves it, and this recipe has quickly become a household favorite. We now make it at least once a week. Thank you!5 stars

  2. That looks real good and faster to make. Mine has to simmer for more than 2 hours. Will keep the recipe.

  3. I made your recipe for ground beef with egg noodles. It was really good but now I can’t find it on the website. Could you help me find the recipe!
    Thanks

  4. This was an amazing recipe. Everyone loved it! I doubled the recipe so I world have leftovers. This will be a staple in our house. I’ll never buy jar sauce again.5 stars

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m happy that you enjoyed the spaghetti recipe and that it’s becoming a staple in your household. Doubling the meatsauce for leftovers is a great idea, and I’m glad to hear you’re ditching jar sauce!

  5. Loved it! One of the things that impressed me the most was how well the flavors of the sauce came together. My family is already asking when I am going to make this again. It was a huge hit and it will now become a staple in our home. I am glad I found you on Tiktok. This sauce was truly delicious and I highly recommend it. No more store bought sauces for me! Thanks for sharing your recipe.5 stars

  6. I have not made this meat sauce YET, but I did make your meatloaf and I have too tell it was FANTASTIC !!! I usually do NOT like meatloaf BUT YOURS WAS OIT OF THIS WORLD!!! Thank you so very much!!