Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce

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Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce: An Irresistible Italian Classic!

That’s fantastic that you learned this recipe from a friend in Italy! The best recipes often come from authentic, personal connections. This kind of Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce is a cornerstone of Italian home cooking, beloved for its rich flavors and comforting nature.

This recipe delivers a deeply savory and satisfying sauce, slow-simmered to perfection, clinging beautifully to every strand of al dente spaghetti. It’s a taste of Italy right in your kitchen, perfect for a hearty family meal!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork for more flavor)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (good quality, San Marzano if possible)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ cup dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended for depth, like Chianti or Merlot)
  • ½ cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Large skillet (if searing meat separately)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Large pot for cooking spaghetti
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If using, pour in the dry red wine. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
  4. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir everything well to combine.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 to 2 hours, or even longer (up to 3 hours), stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed during the last 30 minutes of simmering. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  6. Cook Spaghetti: About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  7. Serve: Divide the hot spaghetti among serving plates. Ladle a generous amount of the rich ground beef sauce over the top. Garnish with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistible flavors!

Tips for an Irresistible Sauce:

  • Quality Ingredients: Using good quality canned tomatoes makes a noticeable difference in the flavor of your sauce.
  • Slow Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering process. The low and slow cooking allows the flavors to truly develop and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
  • Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are used in the recipe for convenience, fresh basil or oregano stirred in at the very end can add a wonderful bright note.
  • Sweetness (Optional): If your tomatoes are a bit acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar (¼ to ½ teaspoon) to the sauce during simmering to balance the flavor.
  • Make Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It also freezes beautifully for future meals!
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete Italian feast.

What other classic Italian dishes do you love?

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