This treasured recipe has been passed down through generations in my family and remains a long-time favorite at our table. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone loves! Serve it over your favorite hot cooked pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Few dishes bring people together quite like classic spaghetti with rich meat sauce. This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying all your comfort food cravings.
Table of Contents
WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
- One pot, minimal cleanup — just brown, stir, and simmer.
- Freezes beautifully — make a double batch and save half for later.
- Totally customizable — swap herbs, add veggies, or use turkey.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing — no fancy ingredients required.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
- Ground beef — 80/20 fat ratio gives the sauce great body and richness. Lean beef works too but it can taste a little flat.
- Triple tomato combo — Diced tomatoes add texture, tomato sauce gives the base, and tomato paste deepens the color and intensifies the flavor. Don’t skip the paste.
- Bell pepper + onion + garlic — These three build the flavor foundation. Fresh garlic is preferred over powder for a cleaner taste.
- Dried oregano and basil — The classic Italian herb duo. If you have fresh basil on hand, stir it in at the very end for a bright finish.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1: Gather all the ingredients.
Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, bell pepper, onion, and garlic together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the beef mixture. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper, then stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1 hour, stirring from time to time.
Step 4: Serve warm and enjoy!
STRORAGE
Fridge
- Store in an airtight container
- Keeps for up to 4 days
Freezer
- Freeze in individual portions for easy thawing
- Stays good for up to 3 months
Reheating
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave
- Add a small splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much
FAQ’s
How do I thicken spaghetti sauce?
The easiest way is to simply keep simmering — the longer the sauce cooks uncovered, the more liquid evaporates and the thicker it gets. If you’re short on time, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste, which instantly adds body and richness. A tiny pinch of cornstarch dissolved in cold water also works in a pinch. Avoid adding flour, as it can leave a starchy taste.
What herbs go best in spaghetti sauce?
Dried oregano and basil are the classic go-tos, and they’re already in this recipe. Beyond those, Italian seasoning (a pre-mixed blend) adds depth without extra measuring. Fresh parsley stirred in near the end brightens the whole sauce. For a subtle warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bay leaf simmered in the sauce and removed before serving both work beautifully. Fresh basil added right before serving is the most fragrant finishing touch.
How long should I simmer spaghetti sauce?
A minimum of 30 minutes will blend the flavors nicely, but 1 hour is the sweet spot for a rich, full-bodied sauce — which is why this recipe calls for it. If you have even more time, 1.5 to 2 hours on very low heat produces a sauce that tastes slow-cooked and deeply savory. Just keep the lid off or slightly cracked so steam escapes, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients — dice the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic.2 In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, bell pepper, onion, and garlic together. Break up the meat as it cooks until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.4. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and rich.5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste or continue simmering uncovered.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Fresh basil stirred in at the end adds a bright finishing flavor.
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be swapped in place of beef.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 185
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 12g
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Vitamin C: 28mg
- Sodium: 931mg
- Calcium: 72mg
- Iron: 4mg
- Potassium: 785mg
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