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

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.

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

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:

• Spaghetti
• Ravioli lasagna
• Homemade lasagna
• Baked ziti or penne
• Meatball subs
• Over ravioli or tortellini
• Stuffed shells
• Quick pizza topping

Troubleshooting Tips

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.

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.

 

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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