There’s nothing quite like a pot of Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef bubbling away on the stovetop, filling the kitchen with cozy, garlicky aromas and the promise of a comforting family dinner. It’s hearty, savory, and just bursting with simple Italian flavors—perfect for spaghetti night or for freezing ahead!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Comfort: This classic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef pleases even the pickiest eaters and brings everyone to the table.
- Rich, Slow-Simmered Flavor: An easy simmer gives you depth and savoriness that’s simply unbeatable compared to jarred sauces.
- Simple Pantry Staples: Everything you need is easy to find and budget-friendly, so you can whip up this sauce any night of the week.
- Perfect for Freezing or Meal Prep: Make a double batch for stress-free dinners in the future—this sauce only gets better with time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to build layers of flavor in this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef. Each one plays a crucial role—bringing heartiness, sweetness, and those signature Italian herbs to every twirled forkful.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The foundation of the sauce! Use lean ground beef for less grease, or regular for extra richness and flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth as it softens and melds into the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for bold, aromatic undertones—don’t skimp on fresh garlic if you can help it.
- Green bell pepper (1 small, diced): Gives the sauce subtle crunch and brightness while cutting the richness of the meat.
- Diced tomatoes (28-ounce can): These provide body and chunky texture; use good-quality canned tomatoes for best results.
- Tomato sauce (16-ounce can): Smooths out the texture and gives that classic, silky base.
- Tomato paste (6-ounce can): Concentrated tomato flavor that makes the sauce thick, bold, and robust.
- Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): This timeless Italian herb brings an earthy layer to the sauce.
- Dried basil (2 teaspoons): Offers a sweet and subtly peppery hint for that true Italian flair.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and pulls all the flavors together.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a light kick and enhances depth—add to taste if you’re a pepper-lover!
Variations
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef is flexible and loves a little improv! Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or tailoring for allergies and preferences, there are so many fun ways to make this recipe your own.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a spicy Italian sausage for extra heat and punch.
- Go veggie-packed: Toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for more nutrition and a hint of sweetness.
- Use ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken—just as hearty, with a milder flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free; just pair with gluten-free spaghetti or spiralized veggies.
- Wine-infused: A splash of red wine simmered with the tomatoes takes the flavor to another level—totally optional, totally delicious.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green pepper, stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks. Let everything brown evenly and cook until the vegetables turn tender and fragrant, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. If you have excess grease, drain it carefully before moving on—this keeps your sauce rich but never greasy.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in your canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the beef, veggies, and tomato blend together, creating a unified, savory foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover partially with a lid (to avoid splatters but allow the sauce to thicken), and let the Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef gently bubble away for about an hour. Stir occasionally, enjoying the way the flavors grow richer and more complex over time. This is where the magic happens—so be patient, it’s worth it!
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Once your sauce has reached your ideal thickness and aroma, ladle it generously over your favorite cooked spaghetti. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan and serve piping hot. Every forkful is total comfort—homemade and absolutely satisfying!
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
- Brown for Flavor: Don’t rush browning the ground beef—letting it caramelize a little locks in rich, beefy flavor that will infuse your whole sauce.
- Go Fresh with Herbs (Optional): If you’ve got fresh basil or oregano on hand, sprinkle some in during the last few minutes of simmering for next-level aroma and color.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Allowing your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef to gently bubble for a full hour creates that classic richness and lets all the flavors marry beautifully.
- Make It in Advance: This sauce is even tastier the next day! Consider making it ahead and letting it rest in the fridge overnight to let the flavors deepen.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
Garnishes
No plate of spaghetti is complete without a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. If you want to get fancy, add torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of really good olive oil never hurts either!
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty spaghetti sauce with a crisp green salad (think classic Caesar or a peppery arugula salad) and plenty of buttery garlic bread for mopping up every bit. For a traditional touch, serve with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed spinach or broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sauce over zucchini noodles for a lighter spin, spoon it onto toasted hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella for easy meatball subs, or use leftovers to stuff bell peppers for a next-day dinner twist. It’s even fantastic layered in lasagna or baked pasta casseroles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef stores beautifully! Just cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making easy lunches or quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
This sauce is a freezer champion. After cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (flatten for easy stacking!). It’ll keep its robust flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works in a pinch too—just cover loosely and stir every minute or so for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this sauce tastes even better after it sits overnight in the fridge. The flavors deepen and mellow—just cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
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What’s the best pasta to pair with this sauce?
This robust sauce clings best to classic spaghetti, but it’s also delicious over linguine, penne, rigatoni, or even spiralized veggies if you want to switch it up!
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Can I omit the green pepper or use other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to leave out the green bell pepper or substitute with mushrooms, zucchini, or even chopped carrots—this sauce is wonderfully customizable.
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How can I make this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef less acidic?
If your tomatoes taste a little tart, stir in a pinch of sugar near the end of simmering to balance the acidity, or add a splash of heavy cream for extra silkiness.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef brings just as much joy to your table as it has to mine—there’s something so comforting about a big bowl of pasta made with love. If you haven’t tried homemade sauce before, you’re in for a cozy, flavor-packed treat. Gather your ingredients and enjoy every savory bite!
Print
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce recipe featuring ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for topping your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Onion, chopped:
1 medium
Garlic, minced:
4 cloves
Green Bell Pepper, diced:
1 small
Diced Tomatoes:
1 (28 ounce) can
Tomato Sauce:
1 (16 ounce) can
Tomato Paste:
1 (6 ounce) can
Dried Oregano:
2 teaspoons
Dried Basil:
2 teaspoons
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Stir diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the pan.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until meat is browned and crumbly and vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain grease.
Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer spaghetti sauce for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 250
- Sugar: Approx. 6g
- Sodium: Approx. 700mg
- Fat: Approx. 14g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 14g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 18g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 45mg
